On 13 April 2026, EFHOH Project Manager Henrique Raskin and Advocacy Officer Lavinia Rotundi, together with the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) and the Validity Foundation, met with MEP Germain (S&D, France) in the context of the EUFunds4IL Coalition to discuss key amendments to the proposed National and Regional Partnership Plan Regulation for the next EU funding period (2028–2034).
The meeting focused on ensuring that EU funding frameworks fully align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) and actively support inclusion, equality, and independent living across all Member States. In line with the coalition’s policy efforts, particular emphasis was placed on the need to redirect funding away from institutional and segregating services towards community-based support that enables independent living.
EFHOH welcomed this dialogue and took the opportunity to draw attention to the often overlooked barriers faced by hard of hearing people that continue to restrict equal participation across employment, healthcare, education, and public life. Addressing these structural barriers requires that EU funding systematically supports accessible environments for hard of hearing people.
