The EP wants ambitious measures to ensure access for people with disabilities to the labour market, social protection, education, healthcare, housing and digital services.
In a resolution adopted on Thursday by 490 votes to 9, with 109 abstentions, MEPs call for an effective strategy for 2025-2030 that includes concrete measures and legal instruments to address the barriers still faced by people with disabilities in the EU and ensure their full inclusion and the fulfilment of their rights.
Employment and skills guarantee and common EU-wide definition of ‘disability’
To improve the employment situation and boost employment for people with disabilities, MEPs propose an EU-funded European guarantee for employment and skills, as well as measures to improve access to training and education. The text also calls on the European Commission to propose a common definition of disability in the EU to ensure that citizens with disabilities enjoy the same rights in all Member States. In addition, MEPs advocate clear sanctions when authorities or private entities fail to comply with EU accessibility obligations.
Special attention to women and girls with disabilities
The report highlights the situation of women and girls with disabilities. MEPs call for action to tackle the discrimination they face and improve their access to healthcare, participation in public life and protection. They also believe that greater efforts are needed to improve accessibility for women and girls with disabilities in sport, transport, products and digital technologies.
Finally, the text acknowledges the existence of European platforms and legislation, such as AccessibleEU, the European Accessibility Act and the Web Accessibility Directive. However, it insists on the need to strengthen and fully implement these tools.
Statement by the rapporteur
The rapporteur for the report, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (EPP, Spain), said: “Today’s vote marks a decisive moment in ensuring that people with disabilities can fully exercise their rights in the EU. We must turn political intent into concrete action in all Member States, ensuring dignity, accessibility and equal opportunities for all. No one should be left behind in Europe. This affects people. It is about ensuring that people with disabilities can live independently, access opportunities and participate fully in society. Today is a decisive day for transforming our commitment into real change.”
Background
In March 2021, the European Commission approved a strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities for 2021–2030. This plan includes several key initiatives, such as AccessibleEU, the European Disability Card and the Disability Platform. The strategy covered programmes and initiatives until 2024. With today’s resolution, Parliament is proposing new measures for the second half of the decade.
More information: European Parliament
Leave a Reply