Approximately €2.7 billion of European Union funds have been allocated towards reforming care systems across Europe. This new report from Community Living For Europe: Structural Funds Watch shows how Member States need to go further to transition from outdated care systems towards community-based living. 

The report also outlines to what extent 12 EU Member States have adopted strategies or action plans to shift away from institutions for children, adults with disabilities and older people and highlights an excellent example of how European Union (EU) funds can drive change for its most marginalised citizens. 

As a result, the EU has become a world leader in transforming systems of care and support for children, adults with disabilities and older people.

However, although it is evident that momentum is shifting from policy to practice, it is clear that further support is needed to ensure that new services are effectively designed and delivered. 

This report offers recommendations to the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of the EU, Member States and civil society to successfully harness the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) for community living.