CURRENT AFFAIRS: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

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Disability Rights: A Core Value in Europe

The EU’s commitment to social progress and to protecting vulnerable groups is part of our core identity and a defining value. This is reflected in its founding treaty and in the ratification, almost 20 years ago, of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities — the first international human rights treaty ever signed by the EU. The EU Disability Strategy and the European Pillar of Social Rights, along with many other initiatives, have also been firm steps towards consolidating this commitment. But now, there are signs that the EU may retreat from its social commitments, and this concern comes at a critical juncture for the bloc. At a time when the EU is focusing more on defence, strategic autonomy, competitiveness, strength and growth, it is essential to underline that these priorities will only be sustainable if they are also inclusive — otherwise they risk generating deeper inequalities and leaving vulnerable groups further behind.

We face a complex geopolitical context and significant sociodemographic challenges that are making life increasingly precarious for vulnerable groups, especially people with disabilities. In this context, the discussions on the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework , the EU's long-term budget, offer a crucial opportunity to reaffirm the centrality of social priorities by strengthening the European Social Fund as a key instrument through which the EU guarantees its commitment. Managing uncertainties and humanitarian crises caused by climate disasters, war or other emergencies is also a shared challenge for the EU, where people with disabilities are disproportionately affected.

As December marks the conclusion of the International Year of Cooperatives, it is timely to highlight the Social Economy Action Plan and the essential role played by cooperatives and other actors — including associations, foundations, mutual societies and D-WISEs — in integrating workers with disabilities and delivering accessible goods and services. Within the single market, these enterprises demonstrate how competitiveness and inclusion can go hand in hand, fostering both resilience and sustainability.

This is our way of life. Preserving and strengthening our EU model is not a political choice — it is a responsibility to EU society and future generations.

Lourdes MÁRQUEZ DE LA CALLEJA (Spain)

Member, EESC Civil Society Organisations' Group
Representative, Spanish Confederation of Social Economy Enterprises (CEPES)
Director of Alliances and International Relations, Fundación ONCE

© EU/EESC