EEG Study Session on preventing institutionalisation through EU Funding

A new European Expert Group on the transition from institutional to community-based living (EEG) Study Session will explore how EU funding can better support the shift from institutional to community-based care across Europe. This funding has the potential to address the ongoing challenges faced by over 1.5 million people who remain in institutional settings.
These individuals are often placed in institutions due to a lack of accessible, community-based services and preventive support for families. While EU funds have contributed to significant progress in some countries, such as closing institutions and developing personal assistance and housing services, challenges remain. In some cases, EU funding has even inadvertently sustained institutional settings.
To foster dialogue and reflection, this Study Session will discuss how to prevent institutionalisation through EU Funding, and in particular the new Multiannual Finalcial Framework.
The event will take place online on 17 June 2025, from 14:00 to 16:00.
The Study Session will focus on:
- The misuse of EU funds that have prolonged institutional care
- Positive national practices in redirecting funding toward independent living (with a case from Bulgaria)
- The need for strong monitoring systems to track the use and impact of EU investments
The event aims to bring together EU and national policymakers, managing authorities, civil society organisations, service providers, and people with lived experience. Together, they will discuss how EU funding can better support the transition to community-based care for persons with disabilities, children, and people experiencing homelessness, all while ensuring that reforms are rights-based, data-driven, and aligned with EU policy commitments such as the Guidance on Independent Living and the European Child Guarantee.
Speakers include representatives from the European Commission, Eurofound, managing authorities, and civil society organisations working directly with affected groups.