The Disability Intergroup Bureau met Commissioner Hadja Lahbib on 28 January. MEP Alex Saliba hosted the meeting. Members discussed progress under the EU Disability Rights Strategy, priorities for its second phase, and expectations for the next EU budget. The European Disability Forum (EDF) also shared proposals for stronger EU action.
Progress in the first phase of the Disability Rights Strategy
Halfway through its implementation, Commissioner Lahbib highlighted several achievements of the Strategy’s first phase:
- The introduction of the EU Disability Card and EU Parking Card, which allow persons with disabilities to move more freely within the EU and ensure their disability status is recognised in all EU Member States.
- The creation of AccessibleEU, a resource centre that supports implementation of the EU Accessibility Act and other accessibility legislation.
- The publication of the Disability Employment Package, which offers guidance to employers and public authorities on improving employment outcomes for persons with disabilities.
- The establishment of the Disability Platform, which brings together national authorities and civil society to advance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Preparing the second phase of the Strategy
Commissioner Lahbib welcomed the European Parliament’s recent resolution on the Strategy.
She also stressed that independent living, employment, and accessibility will remain core priorities of the second phase of the strategy to be adopted in the second quarter of the year.
Disability Intergroup priorities
Intergroup members set out their expectations for the next phase of the Strategy and highlighted concrete actions needed at EU level.
Independent living
MEP Kathleen Funchion called for stronger EU action to support employment as a key element of independent living. She stressed the need to reinforce personal assistance and ensure Member States are accountable for progress.
Accessible and affordable housing
MEP Ciarán Mullooly warned that a lack of accessible housing leads many persons with disabilities into institutional settings.
He asked the Commission to:
- Prevent EU funds from supporting institutionalisation.
- Make deinstitutionalisation a condition for EU funding.
- Dedicate EU funding for personal assistance through the European Social Fund Plus, ensuring portability across the EU.
MEP Pál Szekeres echoed concerns about the use of EU funds in countries where disability rights are not prioritised. He stressed the need for accessible housing to combat social exclusion.
Accessibility, technology, and participation
MEP Brando Benifei highlighted ongoing challenges in implementing the EU Accessibility Act.
On the next EU budget, he raised concerns about misuse of funds.
He noted the potential of Artificial Intelligence and digital tools to support social inclusion and independent living and emphasised the importance of full political participation for persons with disabilities.
Response from the European Commission
Commissioner Lahbib reassured the Intergroup that the EU will continue to strengthen equality, diversity, and human rights.
Regarding the next EU budget, she announced that the future AgoraEU programme will have a budget of €3.6 billion for equality‑related actions.
Regarding the EU Accessibility Act, she informed members that the Commission has opened infringement procedures and is supporting Member States to ensure full transposition of the Act. She stated: “We are not going back in our ambition.”.
EDF’s recommendations for 2026 and beyond
The European Disability Forum (EDF) called for stronger ambition, coordination, and action.
Employment
The employment gap between persons with and without disabilities has barely changed. EDF proposed an EU Disability Employment and Skills Guarantee to ensure inclusive access to quality jobs and lifelong learning.
Freedom of movement and accessibility
To make free movement a reality, EDF proposed:
- A European Agency for Accessibility.
- A legislative initiative to close gaps in the EU Disability Card.
- An Accessible Transport Package with accessibility requirements for all transport modes.
Independent living
EDF expressed concern about the rise in institutionalisation in several Member States. The Forum called for:
- Stronger action to support independent living.
- EU funds that promote accessible housing.
- Integration of deinstitutionalisation priorities into the European Semester and national funding plans.
Ending forced sterilisation
EDF called for stronger actions to ban harmful practices against persons with disabilities, including forced sterilisation.
External action
EDF urged the EU to adopt a Disability Action Plan for External Action to ensure disability inclusion in crises and conflicts, including in Ukraine and Gaza.
Disability Intergroup New Year reception
After the meeting, Intergroup Members met disability rights organisations and representatives of EU institutions to mark one year since the re‑establishment of the Disability Intergroup.
Remarks from speakers
MEP Alex Saliba, who hosted the meeting and the reception, said:
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is clear on paper, but its implementation across the 27 Member States is a different story.
Ana Carla Pereira, Director for Equality and Non‑Discrimination at the European Commission’s Directorate‑General for Justice and Consumers, said:
2026 is a year of immense hope and commitments and we take upon us to answer the request of civil society and the Disability Intergroup. The EU Disability Rights Strategy we have in place sets the right path and the new actions will be thought always in a spirit of collaboration.
Yannis Vardakastanis, President of the European Disability Forum, concluded:
We are entering 2026 facing major challenges. The political environment is difficult. The geopolitical context is unstable. Equality and international law are increasingly questioned. But as we said together at the European Day of Persons with Disabilities: the disability movement will not be silent. Because silent is surrender, and surrender is not an option.
Photos from the reception are available on Flickr.
