The European Expert Group on the Transition from Institutional to Community-based Care (EEG) is pleased to welcome Konstantina Leventi, Head of Policy at Disability Support Europe (formerly EASPD), as its new Co-Chair.
Konstantina succeeds Alfonso Lara Montero from the European Social Network (ESN) as part of the EEG’s regular rotation of Co-Chairs. She will share this role with Lucy Halton from Lumos, continuing the EEG’s tradition of collaborative leadership among its member organisations.
Konstantina brings extensive experience in disability rights, social services and EU policy and advocacy. As Head of Policy at Disability Support Europe, she coordinates the organisation’s advocacy efforts at EU level and manages EU-funded projects. Before moving into policy and advocacy, she worked for more than eight years as a social worker supporting persons with disabilities, providing her with valuable first-hand experience of the opportunities and challenges within support systems.
Her areas of expertise include quality of social services, independent living, employment of persons with disabilities, long-term care, legal capacity, funding frameworks and workforce development.
Reflecting on her new role, Konstantina said:
“Disability Support Europe is proud to be a founding member of the EEG, and I’m delighted to serve as Co-Chair. Our members already show that moving from institutions to support in local communities is possible. But local change alone is not enough. Europe needs the policies, funding and standards to make it possible. That is what we call the architecture of inclusion, and the EEG is where we build it together.”
Thanking Alfonso Lara Montero
The EEG extends its sincere gratitude to Alfonso Lara Montero from the European Social Network (ESN) for his valuable contribution, leadership and dedication during his term as Co-Chair.
His expertise, strategic guidance and commitment to the EEG’s mission have been greatly appreciated. We are particularly grateful for his collaborative approach, continued support and generous mentorship, which have contributed to strengthening the EEG’s work and cooperation among its members.
We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Alfonso and ESN as valued members of the EEG.
Looking Ahead
With Konstantina and Lucy as Co-Chairs, the EEG will continue its collective work to advance deinstitutionalisation, independent living and quality community-based support across Europe.
We warmly welcome Konstantina to her new role and look forward to working together to promote policies, funding and practices that make inclusion a reality for everyone.
