45 MEPs: Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative must fund support services for persons with disabilities



45 MEPs: Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative must fund support services for persons with disabilities

In a letter addressed to European Commission President Von der Leyen and EU Council President Michel published today, Members of European Parliament demand that the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative ensures funding for support and care services for persons with disabilities. It is signed by 45 MEPs from 17 countries and 7 political groups, including the Vice -President for Gender Equality and Diversity Dimitris Papadimoulis and the Chair of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee Lucia Nicholsonová.

The letter calls attention to the alarming lack of funding for services that provide care and support for persons with disabilities and underlines that most organisations have adapted and continue to provide services but face lack of access to needed funding, due to non-flexible contracts with authorities and delayed funding calls.

MEPs specifically call on the European Commission “to take new actions to mobilise essential investments and resources to guarantee the continuity of care and support services” and that “the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative (CRII and CRII +) must therefore include specific guidance to help Member States ensure such resources, including the European Social Fund, which are used to support persons with disabilities and other persons with support needs”.

Related information 

European Disability Forum