European equality networks join forces to ensure future EU funding for equality
[Brussels, 24 February 2012] 12 European equality networks, including the EWL, express their great concern as regards the future EU funding for equality between women and men and equality for all and non-discrimination. The networks have drafted joint amendments to the European Commission’s proposal for the Rights and Citizenship Programme 2014-2020 that will be the EU’s main source of funding for activities in these fields.
The networks are concerned about the focus, annual predictability and level of funding in the Commission’s proposal and call on the member states and the European Parliament to improve it.
Specifically, they call for:
- Stronger and specific mentions of issues of equality, gender equality and combating violence, as well as the implementation of the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities in the objectives of the Programme.
- An increase of the budget of the Programme to an amount that reflects the current level of EU funding for the issues covered by the Programme. That would be approximately 530 millions.
- Earmarking of funds for the different objectives of the programme that respect the current distribution of funding.
- Maintaining at least the same level of core funding for European networks representing rights holders and working on equality and gender equality, as for the 2007-2013 period, taking into account inflation. This is necessary given the deterioration of the social environment in the EU, which is impacting on the rights of people living in Europe.
You can take part in the efforts of the equality networks, too! Download the EWL’s briefing on the Programme and influence your European and national decision-makers!
Download the amendments here below.
- joint equality network amendments for rights and citizenship programme feb2012 final
The amendments are supported by the following networks: AGE Platform Europe (AGE), European Disability Forum (EDF), European Network against Racism (ENAR), European Women’s Lobby (EWL), ILGA-Europe, Autism Europe, European Blind Union (EBU), European Network on Independent Living (ENIL), Inclusion Europe, International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IFSBH), International LGBTQ Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) and Transgender Europe (TGEU).
