The European Commission launched its Enhanced Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in May. It outlines actions for the second half of the EU Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030. Our first reaction raised concerns about non-binding measures and the lack of inclusion of many of our proposals. However, there are planned actions with potential to further the rights of persons with disabilities.
While this article gives an overview of the Strategy, you can read our in-depth analyses of all the Enhanced Strategy’s proposed actions.
Where we see potential
The Enhanced Strategy highlights its 8 flagship initiatives.
Our analysis, however, reveals that some of the most promising actions are not part of these flagships, but rather other actions included in the text itself.
They are:
- A study to assess obstacles to access assistive technologies. This could provide evidence that an EU legal initiative is needed.
- Setting up an alliance to facilitate the creation of national and local centres for independent living, supported by EU funding.
- A possible EU action for the activation of persons with disabilities in the labour market. It could potentially lead to a legislative proposal.
- Policy initiative in 2027 to improve accessibility of higher education to a wider range of learners, including students with disabilities.
- Guidelines on procedural accommodation for all victims with disabilities. This will facilitate the implementation of the revised Victim’s Rights Directive.
- Publishing a study on decision-making regimes and legal capacity legislation in the Member States, showcasing supported decision-making approaches.
- Using the Disability Platform to support Member States in preparing and implementing their national and regional partnership plans for the use of EU funds as of 2028.
Revising legislation
Some of the most tangible improvements will come not through new legislation, but through revisions and improvements to legislation that already exists or is being developed. The Enhanced Strategy plans 8 such actions, including:
- Revising the Public Procurement Directive to reiterate the obligation to buy accessible goods and services;
- Expanding the forthcoming Quality Jobs Act to include occupational health and safety risks faced by workers with disabilities;
- Reviewing accessibility provisions as part of the evaluation of the Directive on safety rules and standards for passenger ships;
A boost for disability data
One of the most positive aspects of the Enhanced Strategy is the way it will advance our understanding of the lived realities of persons with disabilities. The strategy will improve data collection on people living in institutions and on the deinstitutionalisation process. It will also collect data on the extra cost of living with a disability.
In addition, the Strategy plans to improve data collection disaggregated by type of disability. This will allow us to understand how people with different types of disabilities are affected by specific social issues.
Getting the most out of what is there
We are now awaiting a timeline for when the Commission plans to implement these actions. From then on, our aim will be to ensure the best implementation possible.
To read in more detail what we recommend for the implementation of each action, you can consult our detailed analysis of the Enhanced Strategy