The European Union is firmly committed to promoting equality and combating discrimination in all its forms. A key priority is ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities, recognizing their right to live independently and fully participate in society.

The EU has adopted several measures to combat discrimination based on sex, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, and disability. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, a cornerstone document adopted in 2000 and binding since 2009, establishes the fundamental rights and freedoms of all EU citizens. Article 21 of the Charter explicitly prohibits any form of discrimination. Article 26 specifically recognizes and respects the right of persons with disabilities to benefit from measures designed to ensure their independence, social and occupational integration, and participation in the life of the community.

Another significant milestone in the fight against discrimination is the Council Directive 2000/78/EC, which establishes a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation. This directive requires Member States to adopt appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to employment and can fully participate in the labour market. Among the measures specified is the obligation for employers to provide «reasonable accommodation» for persons with disabilities. The Proposal for a Council Directive COM (2008) 426 aims to improve the inclusion of persons with disabilities by establishing specific legal frameworks and measures. This proposal highlights the need for coordinated efforts across Member States to enhance the social and occupational integration of persons with disabilities.

New European Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030

In March 2021, the European Commission presented the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030. This comprehensive strategy is structured around several key objectives aimed at improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities and ensuring their full inclusion in society. The main goals include:

• Accessibility: Ensuring that physical and digital environments, as well as services, are accessible to all. This includes developing a European Disability Card to facilitate freedom of movement across member states.
• Participation: Fostering full participation in society by removing barriers in various areas such as transport, communication, and public services. This also involves increasing political participation and representation.
• Equality: Promoting equal opportunities and preventing discrimination in all areas of life, including education, employment, and health care. Special focus is given to the intersectionality of disability with other grounds of discrimination.
• Social Protection and Inclusion: Enhancing social protection systems to better support persons with disabilities. This includes access to adequate income support, healthcare, and social services tailored to individual needs.
• Education and Training: Promoting inclusive education systems and lifelong learning opportunities to ensure that persons with disabilities can acquire the skills and qualifications needed for the labour market.
• Employment: Encouraging inclusive labour markets by providing support for vocational training, employment opportunities, and workplace accommodations. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and self-employment.
• Health: Ensuring access to quality healthcare and promoting mental health and well-being. The strategy aims to address the specific health needs of persons with disabilities and remove barriers to healthcare services.
• External Action: Promoting the rights of persons with disabilities in the EU’s external actions, including development cooperation and humanitarian aid.

This strategy builds on the achievements of the previous European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 and aims to address ongoing challenges and emerging issues faced by persons with disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between EU institutions, member states, and civil society to achieve its goals and create a more inclusive Europe.
Despite significant progress, the full integration of persons with disabilities requires ongoing commitment from governments, businesses, and civil society. Only through joint efforts can we ensure that all citizens, regardless of their abilities, can live fulfilling and rewarding lives.