For the first time, the Disability Intergroup met with the current and upcoming Presidencies of the Council of the European Union (EU). Organised just days before the end of the Polish Presidency and the beginning of the Danish one, this meeting offered a unique opportunity to reflect on recent progress, preview upcoming priorities, and share key concerns for the semester ahead:
- Disability in public media
- Housing and independent living
- The next EU budget
Bringing together members of the Disability Intergroup bureau, their assistants, and representatives from both Presidencies, the meeting underscored the importance of cross-institutional dialogue in shaping inclusive EU policies for persons with disabilities.
Polish Presidency: awareness and push for inclusion
Anna Milcarz-Wilber (Chief Specialist, Office of the Government Plenipotentiary for Persons with Disabilities) and Robert Wójcik (Chief Specialist, Office of the Government Plenipotentiary for Persons with Disabilities), highlighted the Polish Presidency many activities to raise awareness on disability in the public media, spreading a positive image and combatting stereotypes about persons with disabilities. These efforts include targeted messaging through social media, television series, and public advertisements to help shift societal perceptions.
During its Presidency, Poland organised different events, including along the Disability Platform (the Commission expert group following the Disability Strategy), and at the 18th Conference of State Parties to the CRPD on raising awareness, the professional potential of persons with disabilities in the labour market and independent living.
The Disability Intergroup welcomed the Polish government’s engagement and visibility efforts. MEP Jagna Marczułajtis-Walczak’s office expressed appreciation and emphasised the need to follow through on the implementation of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and to continue prioritising independent living for persons with disabilities.
Priorities of the Danish Presidency
Represented by Eva Ejdrup Winther (Senior Advisor, EU Presidency Secretariat and Social Protection Committee Member), Ingrid Elisabeth Thuesen (Head of Section, EU Presidency Secretariat), Christoffer Nielsen (Head of Section, EU Presidency Secretariat) and August Søvig (Head of Section, EU Presidency Secretariat and Disability Unit), the Danish Presidency shared its priorities: “A strong Europe that takes responsibility for its own security and strengthens its competitiveness while ensuring its green transition”.
Denmark gave an overview of its strategic approach to Equality policies, particularly its activities on disability and independent living.
Regarding the Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive (ETD), which is currently blocked, the Commission has announced its intention to withdraw. Should the directive remain on the table, bilateral negotiations are expected to continue. However, if the European Commission ultimately withdraws the proposal, Danish representatives emphasised the importance of not losing the momentum generated over 17 years of negotiations. A ministerial debate is planned in October for the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) meeting.
Housing and Independent Living Conferences
Representatives confirmed that the upcoming September High-Level Conference in Copenhagen will focus on affordability and sustainability in housing.
A dedicated Conference on Independent Living for Persons with Disabilities will also explore housing issues with attention to both affordability and accessibility. The European Disability Forum (EDF) was thanked for its involvement in the planning of this event.
Disability Intergroup concerns about the next EU budget
The Disability Intergroup raised significant concerns about the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). MEPs and the Forum voiced concerns about potential changes to funding structures, particularly regarding the merging of programmes and what that might mean for the funding to implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ( UN CRPD).
The Danish Presidency acknowledged the issue but referred to the institutional set-up for the negotiations of the future EU Multiannual Financial Framework.