The bureau of the Disability Intergroup came together in Brussels on 2 February to discuss its priorities for 2023. The meeting was hosted by MEP Brando Benifei, vice chair of the Intergroup, and the Executive Committee of EDF also participated to inform the MEPs about the main objectives of the European disability movement for this year. MEPs and EDF representatives coincided on highlighting key legislative proposals such as the Directive on combating violence against women, the Artificial Intelligence Act or the upcoming legislation to establish the European Disability Card, foreseen for autumn.
The Disability Intergroup’s priorities for 2023
During the meeting, parliamentarians also stressed the need to work on employment policies for persons with disabilities, including by reaching out to organisations supporting sheltered employment contradicting the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In this same vein, the MEPs also discussed the barriers to employment of persons with disabilities in the European Parliament (EP), and agreed on organising a meeting with the EP administration and personnel with disabilities to agree on solutions to make the Parliament a more inclusive and accessible institution for persons with disabilities to work.
Other policies in which the Disability Intergroup will be active this year will include the announced Commission action on mental health, the conclusions and recommendations of the special committee on COVID-19, the upcoming European elections in 2024, the EU policies on humanitarian action, and the consequences of the war in Ukraine. In all these fields, the MEPs will work to raise awareness and promote the rights of persons with disabilities through their parliamentary work, resolutions or events.
Besides, the Disability Intergroup bureau also received updates on the steps taken by the Employment and Social Affairs committee to set up a CRPD focal point in the Parliament, and on how to strengthened the work on disability inclusion and accessibility in the EP Bureau High Level Group on Gender Equality and Diversity.
The 5th European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities
Lastly, the MEPs were also informed by EDF on the developments in the preparations of the 5th European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities (EPPD), which will take place on 23 May 2023. The members of the Disability Intergroup bureau reassured their commitment to support the organisation of this landmark conference for the disability movement.
Later that day, the Disability Intergroup hosted its traditional New Years’ reception for the first time since 2020.