News/Press

European non-discrimination legislation needs to be implemented fast and properly, recall EU disability leaders

• Vienna hosted this weekend the bi-annual Board meeting of the European Disability Forum (EDF).
  
• Opening session: Key EU and national decision-makers support EDF’s campaign for a proper implementation of the European Employment Directive, as well as for further non-discrimination legislation in Europe.

Vienna, 25 February 2006 – “The European Union needs to be serious when it comes to the implementation of existing legislation” said today in Vienna Stefan Olsson, Head of the Non-discrimination Unit of the European Commission. “If we don’t guarantee a proper implementation of the European Directive for Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation, how can we be credible when trying to develop new legislation in the years to come?”, he stressed.

Addressing EDF Board assembly, composed of 29 countries’ disability movement leaders, the Austrian Minister for Social Security, Generations and Consumer Protection, Ursula Haubner, highlighted the need to protect disabled people from discrimination not only in employment, but also in all fields of life. “The European values of integration and solidarity should be applied on daily basis. This will highly contribute to reinforce citizens’ trust in the EU integration process and institutions”, said the Austrian Minister. Haubner also highlighted the importance of mainstreaming disability at all policy levels and the need for a coherent approach in all sectors: “We need policy that will fight any kind of discrimination, promoting involvement and equal opportunities of people with disabilities in all aspects of live”.

In her speech, Anne-Marie Sigmund, President of the European Economic and Social Committee called for the active involvement of disabled people in this process. She also highlighted some of the numerous barriers that continue to stop 50 million people in Europe from fully participating in society and work, particularly in the field of information and communication, vocational training, education and culture. “Fight against discrimination is a very important value and this culture is vital in our daily lives”. The European Economic and Social Committee is particularly open to draft an Opinion on the need for comprehensive disability legislation, in close consultation with the European Disability Forum”.

The President of the European Disability Forum, Yannis Vardakastanis, welcomed the presence of the Austrian Minister and high EU representatives at this important Board session. “Disabled people are the first discriminated in all areas of life. Therefore, the United Nations Convention on the Human Rights of disabled people, together with complementary EU legislation is vital. We need support at all levels, not only for people with disabilities, but simply to improve significantly the European and national political systems.”

For more information, please contact: Helena González-Sancho Bodero, EDF Communication and Press Officer; Tel office: (+ 32 2) 282 46 04; 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.