With less than twelve months remaining until the European elections, we talked with the EDF Youth Committee about their importance.
Some members shared with us their messages regarding the significance of youth mobilisation and active participation, along with their hopes for the next years.
Tamara Byrne, EDF Youth Committee member and Inclusion Europe
” I would like to see a system in place that allows young people with disabilities to access a fully inclusive higher education model, where we can freely choose the courses and experiences, that we would like to participate in.
Having a support model would mean being included in classes with all other college students, not a class with a group of students with disabilities.
Young people with intellectual disabilities have the rights to an education and should be able to decide which college and courses we would like to attend without having barriers.”
Ben Rowsome, EDF Youth Committee member and Autism-Europe 
“It is important that young people have their say within Europe so that they can begin to develop a sense of what it means to be shaping the Europe they want.
It’s also about cultivating a sense of stewardship — what type of Europe do we want for our children, and their children. Moreover, it brings all of us as Europeans closer together, as we all partake in mutual activity of voting.”
Nina Portolan, EDF Youth Committee member and European Network on Independent Living
” The European Commission and the EU European Parliament need to make sure young disabled people have the same opportunities to experience life that their non-disabled peers do.
This includes various areas of life. However, it is universally grounded in all young disabled people having access to reasonable accommodations and personal assistance, regardless their type of impairment, whether they are involved in education or any other factors, across member states.
To improve the quality of life for disabled youth, it is also crucial not to overlook their participation in political, cultural, artistic, and other aspects of community life, alongside establishing support in education and facilitating their entry into the workforce.”
Elisa Marino, EDF Youth Committee observer and Italian Disability Forum 
“Young people with disabilities have to vote in the incoming elections. Voting is the primary instrument we have to make our voices heard and ensure that the new Parliament considers our needs.
I hope that during the new mandate will keep on fighting against the climate change. It has terrible effects on people lives, especially on persons with disabilities.”
Amir Alibabic, EDF Youth Committee member and Slovenian National Disability Council
” In the upcoming EU elections, the participation and vote of young people with disabilities will serve as compass needle. Their votes can effectively steer efforts toward achieving equity and inclusiveness. By voting, they highlight areas that need attention and push for necessary changes.
As the curtain rises on the new European Commission and Parliament, a primary focus should be enhancing accessibility and mobility for individuals with disabilities. This is crucial for building a solid foundation of inclusivity within the EU framework. Ensuring unhindered movement for everyone is vital for a harmonious and fair society.
Within this context, it is essential for the EU institutions to carve out clear pathways that remove obstacles for young people with disabilities.”
Lydia Vlagsma, EDF Youth Committee member and Ieder(in)
” Voting in the upcoming elections is an important way for young people with disabilities to make their voices heard. But meaningful participation extends beyond the elections. After 2024, I hope the newly mandated European Parliament and Commission will continue to seek out the perspectives of young people with disabilities. For example by organizing dialogues with young disabled people on the impact of social, economic and sustainability policies on their daily lives. But also by making information on these policy developments accessible and available in easy to read language.”
Vera Bonvalot, EDF Executive Committee member, Focal Point for EDF Youth Committee and Brain Injured and Families – European Confederation
” Individuals’ own voices are the most genuine. Voting involves choice and opinion expression. Young people’s views matter
greatly both as a societal group and statistically, as they’ll be most impacted by officials’ decisions. Hence, every young person, without exception, should have the opportunity to be well-informed about electoral programs, make independent choices without external influence, and cast their vote in accordance with their personal beliefs and conscience.
In their new term, the European Commission and Parliament should prioritise long-term decisions often overlooked due to the short duration of mandates. Focus areas include: 1) Environment restoration and protection; 2) Ensuring comprehensive accessibility and human rights for individuals labelled with disabilities, creating a Europe where “disabled” is obsolete; 3) Prioritising accessibility to health, education, communication, and travel, with representation from those now termed “persons with disabilities.
In this European phase, I support quotas ensuring representation of 7 diverse disability types in each parliamentary and working group. This inclusivity extends beyond commonly recognised disabilities to encompass underrepresented groups, fostering comprehensive diversity in decision-making and work.”
Angelina Gustenhoff, EDF Youth Committe Observer and European Council of Autistic People
” In the upcoming EU elections, a crucial emphasis should be placed on generating employment and economic prospects especially for young persons with disabilities, particularly given the current economic conditions. Crafting policies aimed at guaranteeing quality job opportunities for all Europeans is vital. This involves fostering youth entrepreneurship, diminishing youth unemployment, and establishing equitable wage standards, thereby combating poverty effectively.
Voting gives young people with disabilities a chance to elect representatives who will advocate for their needs and concerns in the European Parliament. Our participation ensures that our interests are considered in the decision-making process. And by electing people who takes this section of people seriously, this open up the opportunities. Participation in elections can drive societal change by raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. When we vote, we contribute to a broader movement for equity and inclusion.”
Agnes Kojc, EDF Youth Committee Observer and Cerebral Palsy in the European Union Association
” I would like the European Commission and Parliament to follow the guidelines we propose in our Manifesto, especially they
should focus on healthcare, employment and independent living. Young European citizens with Cerebral Palsy must have the same opportunities and chances offered as any other citizen; they must access the labour market freely and have equal rights to employment, according to their capabilities.
There should be a focus on creating a network of young people, where we will be able to share our experiences and develop our skills. Also, there is a need to raise awareness about different types of disability, and the variety and uniqueness of our needs. “
Photo credit: Pict Rider – iStock – ID:1148852842