On June 22, 2016 in Brussels, Belgium, was held a conference of the European Foundation Forum for inclusion.
From left to right: Ms. Maria Orejas-Chantelot,Thematic Networks Director at the European Foundation Centre,
Ioannis Vardakastanis, EESC Permanent Study Group on Disability rights,
Ádám Kósa, Co-president of the EP Disability Intergroup, EPP, Hungary
The conference was held at the building of the European Economic and Social Council. Committed to European integration, EESC contributes to strengthening the democratic legitimacy and effectiveness of the European Union by enabling civil society organizations from the Member States to express their views at European level.
Chairman of Sozopol Foundation, Mr. Kiril Arnautski,in front of the European Economic and Social Council
Sozopol Foundation was invited to this prestigious international forum by a formal letter. At the event the international NGO was represented by the Chairman of the organization – Mr. Kiril Arnautski and Dr. Ivan Karagyozov – Chief consultant at Sozopol Fondation regarding the activities on ensuring accessible environment and inclusion of people with disabilities, as well as Regional Director of the Centre for Psychological Studies, Burgas, Secretary General of MENTAL LEAGUE and chief adviser of the Movement of people with disabilities in Washington.
The conference was opened by Ms. Maria Orejas-Chantelot, Thematic Networks Director at the European Foundation Centre.
From left to right: Ms. Maria Orejas-Chantelot, Thematic Networks Director at the European Foundation Centre,Ioannis Vardakastanis, EESC Permanent Study Group on Disability rights, Ádám Kósa, Co-president of the EP Disability Intergroup, EPP, Hungary
In an informal conversation Mr. Arnautski and Ms. Orejas-Chantelot discussed the established good partnership and the opportunities to participate in joint projects in the future.
Ms. Maria Orejas-Chantelot and Mr. Kiril Arnautski During the so significant event Mr. Arnautski had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the European Commission.
Mr. Arnautski and Ms. Inmaculada Placencia-Porrero is Deputy Head of Unit for the Rights of Persons withDisabilities within the Directorate General for Justice, European Commission
The Chairman of Sozopol Foundation held a number of conversations and acquainted the guests, including famous scientists, businessmen, patrons and others with active international activity of the non-governmental organization.
Mr. Arnautski and Mr. Michael Femberk,Project Director of ESSL Foundation, Austria Mr. Arnautski and Mr. Martin Essl,
Founder of ESSL Foundation
The Chairman of Sozopol Foundation presented the completed initiatives, current projects and future ideas in the field of safeguarding of natural and cultural heritage, paying special attention to the strong commitment of the Foundation to provide an accessible environment for people with disabilities and their integration.
During the conversations were discussed common, joint actions and establishing of constructive partnerships to improve the accessible environment for people with disabilities, particularly to sites of natural and cultural heritage. It were discussed the possibilities of inclusion and involvement of people with disabilities in the overall process, putting emphasis on the contribution that these opportunities have for the integration of these people.
Ms. Elizabeth Franchini, Programme officer,Banca del Monte di Lucca Foundation
and Mr. Arnautski Ms. Martha Jo Braycich – Director, Communications and Media at Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia, based in Brussels, Belgium, Ms. Elizabeth Franchini, Programme officer, Banca del Monte di Lucca Foundation, Mr. Kiril Arnautski and Ms. Silvia Balmas, Responsible for Thematic Network on the issues of people with disabilities to the European Foundation Centre
Sozopol Foundation, as an international non-governmental organization expressed gratitude to the organizers of this event of global significance. As a foundation carrying active actions at national and international level for the safeguarding of natural and cultural heritage, the provision of accessible environment for people with disabilities and to support their integration, Sozopol Foundation has reiterated its desire, willingness and readiness to continue performing active actions in these areas.