The 2025 European Day of Persons with Disabilities (EDPD) Conference will take place in Brussels on 4-5 December.
Hosted by the European Commission in partnership with the European Disability Forum this annual event will bring together policymakers, organisations, and persons with disabilities to shape a more inclusive European Union.
This two-day event will feature debates and discussions with policymakers, experts, and disability advocates, marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
How to follow the EDPD Conference online
This year, the conference will be live-streamed with options in French (FR), English (EN), German (DE), Italian (IT), Spanish (ES), Danish (DA) and Greek (EL), and International Sign Language. The links will be available soon!
Topics of 2025
- Panel 1 – Forging Ahead: The next chapter in implementing the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030
We will discuss how the EU and Member States can advance the Disability Rights Strategy, turning it into real progress in key areas like accessibility, independent living, and participation. - Panel 2 – Funding the Union of Equality: towards a Disability-Inclusive EU budget
We will explore how EU funds can drive real change for persons with disabilities by integrating accessibility and inclusion, aligning with the EU Disability Strategy’s goals. - Panel 3 – Preparedness and Crisis management inclusive of Persons with Disabilities
We will focus on how the EU and Member States can ensure persons with disabilities are included in emergency preparedness and crisis management, building on the lessons learned from recent crises.
On the second day, the conference will start with the Access City Award 2026 ceremony, where the winner of the 2026 Access City Award will be revealed, along with the runners-up and Special Mentions. This year, the Commission intends to award a Special Mention on Accessibility in Housing. The EU Jury may decide to award other Special Mentions to cities for their outstanding accessibility work on a specific area.
Programme
Want more information?
Check the European Commission’s page!