The European Disability Forum (EDF) is calling on the European Union not to renege on its commitments on disability rights in the next 2028-2032 multiannual financial framework (see EUROPE 13682/1).
In a position paper published on Friday 7 November, the EDF points out that, as parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the EU and the Member States that have ratified it must respect and apply its principles in the next European budget.
At a time when the employment gap between people with disabilities and the rest of the population remains at 24 points and 28.7% of them are at risk of poverty, the Forum points out that the merging of European funds into broader national and regional plans could weaken disability-related priorities.
According to the EDF, this could weaken social priorities.
The organisation is calling for an increase in the minimum share of social spending, for at least 25% of this funding to be earmarked for inclusion, for a ban on any investment that fuels segregation in institutions and for support only to be given to inclusive solutions, and finally, for transparent involvement of organisations and better support for the mobility of young people with disabilities. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)