The important improvements that were confirmed by the Members of Parliaments are:

- definition of persons with disabilities in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;

- prohibition of discrimination by association with a person with a disability and discrimination based on assumptions about a disability is covered;

- multiple discrimination on the grounds of disability, age, sexual orientation, sex, race or ethnic origin, nationality, or religion or belief is addressed;

- difference in treatment on the ground of disability in provision of financial services, including insurance, can only be justified on the basis of accurate, recent and relevant data or medical data. Medical data is limited to objective and verified medical evidence and to undisputed medical knowledge that comply with medical data collection standards;

- Member States shall ensure the rights of persons with disabilities to education without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunities, and ensure that in determining which type of education or training is appropriate, the views of the person with a disability are respected;

-The effective non-discriminatory access must be provided by anticipation, and all policies, procedures and practices that impede access shall cease to exist. The definition of effective non-discriminatory access, of disproportionate burden, and of fundamental alterations (key concepts in the Directive) have all been modified according to the EDF demands;

- a provision for measures necessary to ensure real and effective compensation or reparation for the loss and damage sustained as a result of discrimination.

EDF thanks the Members of European Parliament for sending a clear signal to the Council of Ministers to continue their work for the adoption of a strong Directive that would protect persons with disabilities against discrimination beyond the labour market.

The adopted report will now be referred to the Council of Ministers who will decide whether to take on the European Parliament recommendations. The first meeting of the Council Working Party on the Social Questions presided by the Czech Presidency will be held on 28 April.

EDF calls on the Council to uphold the European Parliament text and improve it further, in particular, by fine-tuning the key disability-specific Article 4 insofar as the distinction between the notions of effective non-discriminatory access and reasonable accommodation is concerned.