In light of the discussions on the post-2020 Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF), the European Expert Group on the Transition from Institutional to Community-based Care (EEG)  has prepared a position paper with specific recommendations to contribute to the current debate on the MFF.

With more than 1 million children, persons with disabilities, people with mental health problems, homeless and older people living in long stay residential institutions and segregated from society in Europe, more has to be done collectively for poverty reduction and social inclusion in the future MFF of the European Union (EU).

The EEG acknowledges the pivotal role that the EU has had in promoting deinstitutionalisation in some Member States and strongly encourages the EU to continue championing deinstitutionalisation in its internal funding policy as well as extending this leadership to its external policy and funding (i.e. EU external aid).

Continuing the promotion and the further investment in the deinstitutionalisation process is in line with political and human rights commitments taken by the EU and its Member States, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC). The shift towards family and community-based services will also contribute to the delivery of the principles and rights under the European Pillar of Social Rights (Social Pillar) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

More robust investment in deinstitutionalisation can make a real difference in the lives of the most socially excluded in Europe, their families and society as a whole, as well as ensure that EU citizens and individuals are able to fully enjoy their human rights. Investment on accessible social services infrustructures, including affordable and accessible housing, are essential parts of a meaniful and succesful deinstitutionalisation process.

With the intent of continuing its fruitful collaboration with the European Commission and drawing on the expertise of a diverse membership, the EEG would like to propose specific recommendations which could contribute to the debate on the post-2020 MFF and increase and extend the added value of EU funds in this area.

For more information and to download the paper, please click here.