45 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have signed an open letter, demanding that the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative ensures funding for support and care services for persons with disabilities.
The letter, addressed to European Commission President Von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel, draws attention to the lack of funding for services that provide care and support for persons with disabilities. In addition, the letter underlines that many organisations have adapted to the pandemic and continue to provide services but lack access to the necessary funding, as a result of fixed contracts with authorities.
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”.
The letter was signed by 45 MEPs from 17 countries and seven 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. You can read the full letter here:
