Crete, 01/09/2000 (Agence Europe) - European Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs Anna Diamantopoulou explained to the European Disability Forum held on Friday in Crete the initiatives taken at European level in order to allow the disabled to integrate in society without encountering discrimination. Some 17% of Europeans have a physical, mental or other handicap, she noted, stressing that the Amsterdam Treaty has allowed a great quality leap forward in this field. She recalled that, given the growing demand of citizens and organisations which defend them, the Commission had adopted, in 1999, a global anti-discrimination package in favour of the disabled. The most significant element of this package is the directive on equal treatment in employment which aims above all to ensure that the employment markets and places of work are accessible to the disabled, she remarked. Guidelines for employment may also facilitate the integration of the disabled, she noted, pointing out that, in the new programming period 2000-2006, emphasis will be placed mainly on the fight against social exclusion and improved employment market access thanks to an "individualised, preventive and active" approach. Ms Diamantopoulou, who recalled that, in May this year, she had presented to the Commission a new communication on a Europe without barriers against the disabled, also welcomed the Commission's decision to propose to the Council that 2003 should be proclaimed the "European Year for Disabled Citizens".