News/Press

Berlin hosts the bi-annual gathering of the European Disability movement leaders

During the 2-days meeting, held during the German Presidency of the European Union and the European Year of Equal Opportunities, Harmut Haines, Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and Franz Müntefering, Minister for Social Affairs and Employment will address the disability representatives of 29 European countries.

Berlin, 23 February 2007 – The European Disability Forum (EDF), the representative organisation of 50 million people in the European Union has chosen Berlin to held its bi-annual Board meeting over the next two days.

Among several key issues, including the imminent adoption of a UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the adopted regulations on the European Structural Funds and the EU Regulation on air disabled passengers, the political discussion will focus on the development of a future European disability directive, covering all fields of life.

The meeting will start on 24 February (9H00) with an open session on this key piece of legislation and the special participation of Harmut Haines, Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Horst Frehe, Chair of the DBR Board and Wallis Goelen, Head of Unit of Integration of People with Disabilities of the European Commission.

An official speech will be held at 17H00 by Franz Müntefering, Minister for Social Affairs and Employment. Yannis Vardakastanis, President of the European Disability Forum will present the EDF’s “1million4disability” campaign, which aim is the collection of 1 million signatures across the EU in favour of stronger European disability legislation.

The opening session (9:00 am) and the Minister’s speech (17:00 am), opened to the media, will take place on Saturday 24 February at DORINT NOVOTEL AM TIERGARTEN, Strasse des 17. Juni, D – 10623 Berlin

For more information, please contact: Helena González-Sancho Bodero, EDF Communication and Press Officer; Mobile phone: (+ 32 ) 485 64 39 93; E-mail: communication@edf-feph.org

The European Disability Forum (EDF) is the European umbrella organisation representing the interests of 50 million disabled citizens in Europe. EDF membership includesnational umbrella organisations of disabled peoplefrom all EU/EEA countries, as well asEuropean NGOs representing the different types of disabilities. The mission of the European Disability Forum is toensure disabled people full access to fundamental and human rights through their active involvement in policy development and implementation in Europe.