Decrease in cohesion budget will damage the lives of persons with disabilities
Our statement released today warns that discussions on reducing the amount of future Cohesion programmes must be stopped, at the risk of endangering the lives of persons with disabilities. The statement was released following the publication of a communication by the European Commission on the future of the Multiannual Financial Framework on 12 February.
The possibility that an increasing focus on competitiveness leads to a reduction in cohesion funding risks endangering programmes that often substitute national governments’ lack of spending on social inclusion. Some programmes, for example, help Danish young people with autism, ADHD, anxiety or depression in finding education and work. They provide housing to German citizens experiencing homelessness. By reducing the Cohesion budget, countries will have two choices: either spend their own money to cover these projects or neglect the lives of their citizens.
Our statement then calls on EU institutions – especially national governments – to protect the amount that will go into the Cohesion, Resilience and Values section of the next Multiannual Financial Framework. It also calls on the governments to increase support to civil society, which are essential to make sure these programmes support the intended people, by guaranteeing the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values are well-resourced after 2027.
We urge the EU and Member States to:
- Protect the budget going towards Cohesion, Resilience and Values funding.
- Safeguarding ongoing support for civil society working on equality and human rights as part of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme.
- Setting up more targeted initiatives to make an impact in areas where progress has been limited.
Yannis Vardakastanis, President of the European Disability Forum, said:
“Programmes funded by Cohesion policy have complemented national spending and actually improved our lives. They should be the pride and joy of the EU, not another element in the chopping block.”
Additional Information
- Statement “The next EU budget must keep supporting marginalised groups”
- Campaign “Ensuring the next EU Budget supports disability rights”
Contacts
André Félix
Communications Manager – European Disability Forum