European Parliament calls for stronger commitment to people with disabilities.

The implementation of the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has stalled. Although the European Commission has already taken some measures during the first years of the strategy, new initiatives need to be launched urgently in the next five years to further improve the participation of people with disabilities. The European Parliament also sees a need for action and has tasked the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) with preparing an Own-Initiative Report (INI).

Urgent measures for inclusion demanded

Despite some progress, people with disabilities continue to face numerous challenges in everyday life. This is highlighted in the draft INI prepared by rapporteur Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (EPP, Spain). In it, she outlines concrete demands addressed to the European Commission to significantly improve the quality of life and the rights of persons with disabilities.

In addition to stricter regulations on accessibility across all areas of public life, the report calls for targeted measures to increase the employment rate of people with disabilities. Equal access to all levels of education must also be ensured in this context.

Furthermore, the report emphasises the need for better access to the social welfare system. Social benefits and support services should in the future be more closely tailored to the individual needs of those affected. Another key aspect is the resolute fight against discrimination based on disability in all areas of life. Existing anti-discrimination laws should therefore be enforced more consistently.

Steps towards completion of the INI

Members of the EMPL have already submitted their amendments to the INI. These were debated during the EMPL meeting at the end of June. The committees on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), and Petitions (PETI) have until after the summer recess to submit their opinions on the INI. EMPL is expected to vote on the INI on 16 October. The final vote in plenary is scheduled for the second half of November.

Swift action is required

Although the European Commission does not formally respond to every INI, it frequently takes up reports that align with its political priorities or where there is considerable political pressure. Since most current initiatives from the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities have already expired, it is crucial that the European Parliament adheres to its timetable for completing the INI. This is the only way to ensure that the demands of the Members of Parliament are incorporated into the evaluation and realignment of the existing strategy.