On 7 September the EFC took part in the European Parliament (EP) Hearing “Mobility and Inclusion of people with disabilities”.  The event  aimed to provide a forum in which  political decision-makers and civil society representatives could discuss the new European Disability Strategy 2010 - 2020 and the Kósa Report on mobility and inclusion of people with disabilities.

The meeting was chaired by Adam Kósa, President of the European Parliament Disability Intergroup with the participation of Vivianne Reading, Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship and László Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.

What is the next step for the European Disability Strategy?

Viviane Reding announced that, by the end of 2011, a consultation on the new European Accessibility Act will be launched while a first draft of regulation will be presented in the autumn of 2012 as part of the European Disability Strategy 2010 - 2020. The European Accessibility Act will set EU standards for products, services, and public buildings and will underline ageing related issues and the potential market of people with disabilities.

László Andor mentioned that the Commission will propose to include an approach focussed on accessibility in the new regulation of the European Social Fund, the fund set up to reduce differences in prosperity and living standards across EU Member States and regions.

Both Commissioners underlined the importance of the Kósa Report in contributing to the drafting of the European Accessibility Act and in improving the accessibility of structural funds for people with disabilities.

The Kósa Report was adopted by the EP Committee of Employment and Social Affairs in June and is due to be voted upon at the EP plenary session at the end of September.

The event was the first completely barrier-free public hearing in the history of the European Parliament.

Further information

Event webpage