Belgian Presidency: Towards full inclusion of persons with disabilities – the European Pillar of Social Rights and beyond
The Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union is dedicated to contribute to the full inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities. Hence, the Belgian presidency organises a conference on the future of the European Strategy on the rights of persons with disabilities on the 19th of March 2024 in Brussels, in co-organisation with the European Commission and with support of the European Disability Forum.
The European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with disabilities 2021-2030 has been the guiding instrument for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) on the EU level. At present no new measures are decided on for the second phase of the strategy (2025-2030) however. The Belgian presidency aims to promote an ambitious set of actions and initiatives in the next legislature. To achieve this, the Belgian presidency is working towards a political declaration in support of the Strategy, as well as a debate with the members of the European Disability Platform who are mandated to support the Commission in the implementation of the UNCRPD and the European Strategy.
Based on a range of consultations, the following three topics were chosen to focus on during the conference:
- Access to employment for persons with disabilities
- An inclusive single market that promotes the free movement of persons with disabilities
- Reinforcing the implementation of the EU strategy and the UNCRPD on EU and national level – methods, tools and best practices
Throughout the preparations and during the conference the Belgian presidency aims to strongly involve civil society organisations and representative organisations of persons with disabilities and provide a platform for them to put their priorities and suggestions forward. The “nothing about us, without us” principle is taken to heart.
As places are limited, participation is on invitation only.
This event is organised by the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union in co-organisation with the European Commission and with support of the European Disability Forum.
