On 19–20 May 2025, a three-member delegation from the Permanent Group on Disability Rights (PG DIS) of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) carried out a two-day visit to Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The main objective of the visit was to gain deeper insight into the affordable and accessible housing programme run by the Public Housing Fund of the City of Ljubljana, which supports people with disabilities in securing suitable housing solutions.
During their stay, EESC members also held constructive meetings with representatives of the National Council of Disabled Organizations of Slovenia (NSIOS), as well as with officials from the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities and the Ministry of a Solidarity-Based Future.
Recognises key successes from 2021–2025 but also notes remaining gaps. In this opinion, it outlines priority actions and flagship initiatives for the 2025–2030 period;
Urges the Commission to quickly develop its next action plan with meaningful consultation of persons with disabilities and their organisations;
Calls for stronger, more binding measures than those from 2021–2025, with direct impact and dedicated funding in the next Multiannual Financial Framework to ensure effective implementation and support.
considers that investment in people and the economy, fair taxation, quality and affordable public services, and targeted support for the most vulnerable—alongside both short- and long-term industrial policy and efforts to boost competitiveness—are essential to mitigating the cost-of-living crisis and protecting against future shocks;
recommends a stronger use of social dialogue, collective bargaining, and civil dialogue to address labour market challenges and improve wages and social protection for workers, in alignment with productivity developments;
acknowledges the importance of wage and minimum wage increases, and highlights the positive impact of the Adequate Minimum Wage Directive in driving wage growth
The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is meant to protect everyone’s rights and freedoms in the Union. Yet, 25 years after it became legally binding, many still don’t feel its full impact. This gap was the focus of a hearing co-hosted by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on 10 June, in the context of the Commission’s midterm review of its Strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter. The event brought together legal experts, civil society representatives and EU institutions to assess how the Charter is used today and what more is needed to mainstream its application.
