Over the past years, our interviews with Members of the European Parliament have shed light on their commitments to disability rights. As we relaunch this series, we aim to highlight key priorities, track progress, and keep disability inclusion at the forefront of the EU agenda.
In this first interview, we speak with MEP Jagna Marczułajtis-Walczak, newly appointed co-chair of the Disability Intergroup, about her motivations for taking on this role, the urgent need to advance independent living across the EU, and the key disability policies she hopes to see strengthened in the years ahead.
Ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities
Question: Welcome to the Disability Intergroup, and congratulations on your appointment as co-chair! This is your first term as a Member of the European Parliament. What motivated you to join the Disability Intergroup and take on such a key leadership role within its bureau?
Answer: Thank you for the warm welcome. As a first-term Member of the European Parliament, I am deeply committed to ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities. Joining the Disability Intergroup was a natural step, as I believe it’s crucial to ensure that people with disabilities are heard and represented here at the European level. My co-chair role allows me to actively shape policies that promote inclusivity. I am particularly focused on the implementation of the UN CRPD and the right to independent living, ensuring all people with disabilities can live and participate fully in society. I was also the subject of my very first written question to the European Commission, which had been supported by more than 50 MEPs.
Promoting independent living and strengthening disability policies
Question: In a recent parliamentary question to the European Commission, you and other Disability Intergroup Members highlighted the lack of implementation of the UN CRPD regarding independent living in EU Member States. What are the main gaps you have identified, and what concrete actions can we expect from the EU moving forward, particularly in the next EU budget?
Answer: The lack of full implementation of the UN CRPD, particularly regarding independent living, is my main concern. Key problems include insufficient accessible supported housing, personal assistance services, and community-based support. To change it, the EU must prioritize funding for accessible conditions and ensure that Member States comply with CRPD obligations. In the next EU budget, we need initiatives to promote independent living and strengthen disability policies, with a focus on cooperation with NGOs. I am ready to support it.
Creating a more inclusive Europe
Question: The Commission has pledged to develop new flagship initiatives and actions for the EU Disability Rights Strategy. What specific initiatives would you like to see adopted?
Answer: In the updated EU Disability Rights Strategy, I would like to see initiatives focused on the right to independent living, particularly improving accessible housing, transport, and personal assistance programs. These actions would create a more inclusive Europe, and I’m open to cooperating with all political groups to achieve these necessary goals.