In a statement published on Thursday 20 February, the European Disability Forum called on the EU institutions to maintain support for “marginalised or at-risk” groups when drawing up the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028-2034 (see EUROPE 13577/20).
The body expressed concern that a “significant” reduction in the budget for cohesion, resilience and values would weaken funds such as the European Social Fund+, Erasmus+ and the Regional Development Fund.
These programmes play a key role in the inclusion of disabled people in education, employment and independent living, by compensating for shortfalls in national funding.
The Forum therefore urges the EU and its Member States to agree an ambitious MFF, protecting these funds, supporting civil society working for human rights and putting in place targeted initiatives, including a ‘Jobs and Skills Guarantee’ for people with disabilities, inspired by the youth scheme, to facilitate their access to employment and training.
Read the statement: https://aeur.eu/f/fmp (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)