Suspension of funding for mental health programmes in Greece under the European Social Fund
31.3.2014
Question for written answer P-003990-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Marietta Giannakou (PPE)
The Commission’s decision to discontinue the funding of mental health services, such as the ‘PSYCHARGOS’ programme, through the European Social Fund poses a serious threat to the health of thousands of patients and persons with disabilities. This decision is based on a prior agreement of the previous Commission (the Špidla Pact), which provided that the Greek Government should bear the cost of such programmes after the end of the current programming period.
Taking into account:
- A.The unprecedented economic crisis that occurred since this agreement and the stringent fiscal consolidation measures taken by Greece over the last few years,
- B.The EU’s legal obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, Article 19),
- C.The legally binding framework of the new European Social Fund regulation for the 2014-2020 programming period (Section 19, Article 8),
- D.The Commission’s own position that the transition from institutional to community care should be one of the investment priorities for Greece itself for the period 2014-2020,
Will the Commission say:
- 1.Does it really intend to suspend ESF funding of mental health services at community level in Greece during the next programming period?
- 2.Is it aware that such a decision could pose a serious threat to some of the most vulnerable members of Greek society?
- 3.In the Commission’s opinion, could this be seen as a violation of the European Union’s obligations under the CRPD and of the new Structural Fund regulations?
- 4.What will be the impact of the decision on the Union’s international image? Does it expect any response from the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?
- 5.Has the Greek Government called for a revision of this decision? Is the Commission aware of the Greek government’s plans for the continuation of mental health services?