On 22 March, Alzheimer Europe hosted an online European Parliament Workshop, on “Prioritising dementia in European policies on care, disabilities and equalities”, chaired by Sirpa Pietikäinen, MEP (Finland), Chairperson of the European Alzheimer’s Alliance (EAA). The event was attended by EU policymakers, representatives from national Alzheimer’s associations and national health ministries and industry partners. Ms Pietikäinen introduced a number of points to set the scene for the Workshop, noting the relevance of the place of dementia across policies on care, disabilities and equalities. She explained that currently, the EMPL and FEMM committees in the European Parliament were exploring the issues around the European Care Strategy, as well as noting the gendered nature of dementia and the caring responsibilities in the care sector (both formal and informal). Furthermore, she highlighted how dementia was a cognitive disability and as such, had the same entitlement to care and support, as well as the right to make decisions about their lives.
The first presentation was delivered by Astrid Dentler, Member of Cabinet of Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, European Commission, who set out the priorities and objectives of the forthcoming European Care Strategy. She highlighted that the strategy would look at care throughout the life course, which will result in two recommendations to Council, one focused on the revision of the Barcelona Targets and one on long-term care. In particular, the strategy will seek to address long-standing systemic issues associated with care including accessibility, affordability and quality of care services. A consultation is currently for stakeholder contributions, with the strategy expected to launch in the third quarter of 2022. Participants also heard from Inmaculada Placencia Porrero, Senior Expert - Social affairs, DG EMPL, European Commission, who outlined the EU’s European Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 (ESRPD). She noted that in Europe the majority of older adults have some form of disability and the majority of persons with disabilities are older people. It was further explained that the majority of people with disabilities need of some type of long-term care and support services. The ESRPD takes a broad approach looking to address challenges faced by people with disabilities in relation to rights, services, supports and socio-economic issues, amongst others. Specific areas for action identified within the 7 flagship initiatives and 8 priority areas of the ESRPD include deinstitutionalisation, accessibility (both physical and digital), access to services and support for people with disabilities to live independently.
Alejandro Moledo, Head of Policy, European Disability Forum (EDF), provided an overview of the current review of the EU’s compliance on the the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCPRD), including EDF’s contribution to the process. He explained that the process of the review of the EU’s implementation of the UNCRPD had commenced this month, with this being the second review of the EU (the first taking place in 2015). It was explained that EDF had produced and submitted an alternative report, highlighting a range of issues, including challenges in the legal harmonisation and enforcement of the UNCRPD and EU legislation, the lack of structured or documented process for engagement of people with disabilities, and the lack of a dedicated unit across all institutions with responsibility UNCRPD adherence. The process of review is ongoing and is expected to conclude in 2024. Alzheimer Europe Chairperson, Iva Holmerovà, launched the Dementia in Europe Yearbook 2021, which examines dementia inclusive initiative and communities. These activities which aim to create societies which support people with dementia, their families, carers and supporters to continue living as well as possible in their communities. She explained that the report revisited the issue in light of work by the EU, WHO and World Dementia Council, and examined examples of policies and resources developed across Europe.
Tilly Metz MEP (Luxembourg), member of the EAA, closed the session thanking speakers and attendees. She reflected on some of the key challenges raised during the meeting, as well as highlighting stigma, isolation and discrimination, as key challenged facing people with disabilities, which had been often exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. She stressed that the EU’s work in these areas needed to focus on equal access to treatment and services, as well as greater support for people acting as informal caregivers. Presentations from the day can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO-PgQHI1WQUgsiJWZOdYEWLKKXlPsLYg
The next European Parliament Workshop will take place on 14 June 2022.
