June 17 2025, from 14:00-16:00 CET

On behalf of the European Expert Group on the transition from institutional to community-based care (EEG), we are pleased to invite you to our annual study session: Preventing institutionalisation through EU Funding – the role of the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The session will take place online on 17 June 2025, from 14:00 to 16:00 CET.

Institutionalisation severely limits people’s rights, autonomy, and opportunities for social inclusion, affecting over 1.5 million individuals in Europe. While there have been positive examples demonstrating the potential of well-targeted EU funding for community-based care, overall progress in deinstitutionalisation (DI) remains uneven. EU funds intended to facilitate the shift towards community-based support are sometimes used to renovate or even build new institutions, inadvertently maintaining or increasing institutional care across Europe.

This year’s EEG study session will address crucial aspects of preventing institutionalisation:

• Preventing misuse of EU funds for institutions
• Steering EU investment towards community-based support and care
• Strengthening monitoring mechanisms to track progress and hold Member States accountable

Each session will highlight practical experiences and policy linkages, featuring both positive and negative examples, including a case study from Bulgaria illustrating successful implementation. Key insights will also be provided by EU stakeholders, including the European Commission and Eurofound.

Participants will have opportunities for interaction and feedback through dedicated Q&A sessions following each thematic block.

Full programme available here.