On 22 May, a delegation from the European Disability Forum (EDF) led by its President, Yannis Vardakastanis, met the European Commissioner for Equality, Crisis Preparedness and Management, Hadja Lahbib.
The aim was to call for a strengthening of the European Union’s efforts to promote the rights of people with disabilities.
Taking as a reference the recommendations of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, EDF has called for an update of the European Strategy 2021-2030.
The main priorities are a skills and employment guarantee for people with disabilities, the creation of a European accessibility agency, a dedicated fund as part of the affordable housing plan and legislation on the cost of assistive technologies.
The delegation also urged that greater account be taken of disability in crisis management and in the future Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034.
According to Commissioner Lahbib, this cooperation contributes to “building a fairer and more inclusive EU”. Yannis Vardakastanis believes that the UN’s observations should be taken into account to launch “a solid second phase of the Strategy”. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)