To: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Subject: Lack of mention of disability issues in your Political Guidelines
Dear President Von der Leyen,
Congratulations on your election as President of the European Commission.
I am writing to you on behalf of the European Disability Forum (EDF) to express our concern with the lack of mention of persons with disabilities, accessibility and issues related to disability rights in the document released on 18 July 2024 outlining your political priorities “Europe’s choice – Political guidelines for the next European Commission 2024−2029”.
We applaud the inclusion of the “Union of Equality”, the appointment of a Commissioner for Equality, and related initiatives on equality, but we are left baffled and worried by the lack of mention of disability or accessibility in this document.
We welcome mentions of updating and renewing strategies on gender equality, anti-racism, and LGBTIQ equality, as well as initiatives on gender equality. From our viewpoint, it is also critical to commit to updating the EU Disability Rights Strategy with a new set of actions for the coming mandate, as the Disability Strategy only includes initiatives until 2024.
We are also worried about the lack of mention of accessibility and disability issues in sections related to social rights and social fairness. For example, lack of accessible housing is one important reason preventing persons with disabilities to live independently in the community. Thus, we hope that the EU action plan and investments in housing will not only address affordability and sustainability, but also accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Your previous mandate saw important advancements to the rights of persons with disabilities, including, for example, the establishment of a European Disability Card.
In your speech today in the European Parliament, you said: “If it matters to Europeans, it matters to Europe”. Therefore, as the leading organisation defending the interests of 100 million Europeans, I am writing to you today seeking clarification on how the European Commission will ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities will remain a political priority in the coming years.
Yours sincerely,
Yannis Vardakastanis,
President – European Disability Forum