Funding exclusion while promoting inclusion?
The use of the European Union funding to maintain the institutionalisation of people with disabilities
24 March 2010, Brussels
Overview
The European Union has allocated substantial resources for projects that will improve the lives of European citizens. These funds, known as Structural Funds, have the potential to make a significant positive impact on the situation of people with disabilities by facilitating the development of community-based services as alternatives to institutional care. Yet, in some Member States, Structural Funds are being used to renovate existing, or build new, long-stay residential institutions. This practice perpetuates the marginalisation and social exclusion of disabled people. It is also in direct contravention of human rights standards and EU policies on promoting social inclusion.
On 24 March, the European Coalition for Community Living (ECCL) organised a one day seminar on the use of Structural Funds. The aim of the seminar was to highlight ECCL's concerns about the use of Structural Funds to maintain the system of institutional care and consider recommendations for reform. A particular focus of the discussions was how Structural Funds can be better used to promote alternative services that would enable disabled people to live and participate in the community as equal citizens.
Presentations
Camilla Parker - Launch and presentation of ECCL's report
Elena Iorga - Key findings from Romania
Istvan Sziklai - Key findings from Hungary
Javier Guemes - The role of civil society in implementation and monitoring of Structural Funds
Materials