Persons with disabilities should be able to access buildings and facilities in the same way as everybody else, this is why it remains a priority in EDF’s work.

An accessible environment is simply a better environment for all persons, whether they have a disability or not. For EDF, the European Union has a key role to play in further developing the Design for All principle in relation to goods and services as well as buildings and infrastructure.

EDF is aware of the fact that attaining full accessibility in European cities, buildings and infrastructures is part of a long process. Nevertheless, EDF insists on respecting accessibility criteria in all new constructions of buildings and infrastructure.

Currently, there is no general obligation on EU level for public authorities or the private sector to meet accessibility requirements when building new or renovating existing infrastructure. That is why EDF strongly encourages and promotes legislation in the field. Harmonization of standards will guarantee that persons with disabilities can fully participate in society on an equal level with others.

So far, EDF has been successful in promoting accessibility provisions in European legislation on public procurement, as well as in several important European financial instrument such as the European Structural Funds and the Trans-European Networks (TEN-T). EDF also closely follows the development of the CEN Mandate 420 on European accessibility requirements for public procurement in the built environment.

EDF also co-organizes the Access City Awards together with the European Commission.

• Public Procurement Directive
• Structural Funds Regulation
• Mandate 420