The EESC Permanent Study Group on Disability Rights organised a public hearing “Reviewing the 2014-2020 ESIF Regulations in favour of persons with disabilities and their representative organisations”.
The aim of the event was to look into the use of the European Structural and Investment Funds to promote inclusion of persons with disabilities.
In the first part achievements so far were analysed, with a focus on the anti-discrimination and partnership principle, while in the second part good practices were discussed and presented by organisations representing disabled persons.
Irina Papancheva, EU Advocacy Manager of Lumos, presented the findings and recommendations of the Community Living for Europe: Structural Funds Watch Report “Opening up communities, closing down institutions: Harnessing the European Structural and Investment Funds“.
This report concerns the role of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) with respect to the transition from institutional to community-based living for children and young people, including those with disabilities, adults with disabilities and older persons in European Union Member States. It contains examples, both positive and negative, that demonstrate how the Member States have implemented the ESIF regulations, how they are currently using or are planning to use the ESIF to support the transition to community-based living, and provides concrete recommendations for the current and next funding period post 2020.
