EUFunds4IndependentLiving (EUFunds4IL) – a coalition of European organisations defending the rights of persons with disabilities – published a joint statement on Thursday 28 May to promote a series of amendments to the future European Union Multiannual Financial Framework for the 2028–2035 period (MFF 2028–2034). The aim is therefore to make the European budget a tool for promoting independent living, equal treatment and the social inclusion of persons with disabilities.
According to the various organisations, the European Commission’s current budget proposals do not guarantee sufficient funding in favour of the rights of persons with disabilities. Nor, they say, are there any indicators to monitor and assess the real impact of European spending.
By adopting these changes, the coalition is specifically calling for 10% of appropriations devoted to social inclusion to be earmarked for implementing objectives linked to independent living, notably personal assistance, individualised budgets, supported employment and accessible housing.
The coalition is also calling for better monitoring of European funds in order to avoid financing institutional structures (which can isolate people), and to promote community-based services in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Read the statement: https://aeur.eu/f/m3t (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)