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the EDF monthly newsletter | issue 22 | May 2012
Editorial /// Nothing about growth without us Today, Wednesday 23 May, the members of the European Council will have an informal meeting in Brussels. While neither formal conclusions nor final decisions are to be expected, the meeting will be an opportunity to identify the main elements of a growth agenda in the perspective of the June European Council. At EDF, we believe that the leaders of Europe should discuss the social impact of the crisis and its consequences on fundamental rights. Therefore, we wrote a letter to President Van Rompuy to stress that a European strategy without human rights will be always limited in its effect. It is clear for the disability movement: from education to transport and technologies and from employment to social services, no growth is possible without people with disabilities. A response stemming from the European social model to the crisis is possible. Only a positive outcome in that direction will be able to respond to the dramatic situation faced by many Europeans with disabilities, and will pave the way for a sustainable Europe. The austerity measures that have been promoted and implemented in many member states today, have led to an impoverishment of many persons with disabilities which has transformed financial and economical crisis in human rights crisis. Besides that, EDF went on an important crusade against the compromise tex t from the Danish Presidency and the member states on the structural funds being discussed right now: the removal of crucial conditionalities is not acceptable. The future Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 will have to include persons with disabilities. After gathering the key MEPs to support our position, we met Commissioner Hahn, responsible for Regional Policy, to ensure the support of the European Commission. More than ever, we want disability to be on top of the EU agenda. More than ever, disability is on top of the agenda of each EU institution: Read everything you need to know about the intensity of May 2012. >>Our letter to President Van Rompuy is here Carlotta Besozzi EDF director 
33.2 HOW INDEPENDENT IS THE MECHANISM? The COHOM gathered last week to explore the best way to set up the independent mechanism of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. EDF presented its proposals to respect the essence of the Treaty and make sure persons with disabilities are included. The big issue: Structural Funds EDF AND MEP SCHROEDTER WROTE A LETTER TO EUROPEAN VOICE The removal of a disability-related clause from the European Commission's cohesion policy proposal is unacceptable. EDF and key MEPs such as Elizabeth Schroedter (Green / Germany) wrote to the editor of European Voice to explain why it is unacceptable. 2012 VODAFONE SMART ACCESSIBILITY AWARDS (30/05/2012)
On 30 May 2012, EDF together with Vodafone Foundation and AGE Platform will launch the 2012 Smart Accessibility Awards. After the 2011 edition,the three organisations partnered again to improve the lives of senior and disabled users through inclusive designed mobile applications.
Cohesion Policy for all: we say it loud!
COMMISSIONER HAHN COMMITS WITH THE UN CONVENTION
On 15 May EDF President, Yannis Vardakastanis, met the Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn, in order to discuss the future Cohesion Policy 2014-2020.
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT SENDS A STRONG MESSAGE ON DISABILITY TO MEMBER STATES Earlier in May the European Parliament sent a strong messages to the Members States: the removal of crucial conditionalities is not acceptable.
Read more ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COMMITTEE TO SUPPORT DISABILITY IN THE STRUCTURAL FUNDS
End of April the EESC has overwhelmingly supported an important opinion on the Common Provisions for the Structural Funds Regulations.
Read more EDF IN EU OBSERVER: EU COUNTRIES SCRAP ETHICS CLAUSE IN EU FUNDS Earlier in May, EDF alerted the online media EUobserver on the issue on Structural Funds. Read more EDF ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY @ COPENHAGEN (26-27/05/2012) The entire disability movement will gather this week end in Copenhagen, Denmark. Stay tuned. DISABILITY INTERGROUP MEETING ON EU TRANSPORT POLICY (06/06/2012) 12:30-14:00 @ European Parliament, room PHS 5B001 in Brussels It is crucial to mainstream disability in the forthcoming discussions on TEN-T and CEF proposals. The event will provide a platform for all EU actors to discuss about those proposals and about the Commission's communication on passenger rights in all transport modes. QUALITY SOCIAL SERVICES IN EVERY COMMUNITY: CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES (06-07/06/2012) CONFERENCE ON AUTONOMY AND INCLUSION @ COPENHAGEN (07-08/06/2012) The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) is organising a conference on autonomy and inclusion: The rights of persons with intellectual disabilities and persons with mental health problems. European Disability Forum Director of publication: Carlotta Besozzi Contributors: Etienne Cuche | Simona Giarratano | Nadège Riche | Lila Sylviti | Ann Vervaecke
 This publication is supported by the European Union Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity - PROGRESS (2007-2013)
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