Disability equality in Europe? Making it happen Professor Mark Priestley University of Leeds

The next stage in EU disability strategy UN recommended a re- alignment of the European Disability Strategy with CRPD implementation. 2016 EP report (Helga Stevens) called for ‘comprehensive revision’. The time for a Disability Equality Agenda for 2020- 2030 is now… The policy timeline is urgent…!

Opportunities in 2019-20 A new Parliament and Commission A new budget programming period Building on the conclusion of EU2020 UN 2030 Agenda and SDGs The European Pillar of Social Rights European Accessibility Act Next CRPD progress report to the UN EU ratification of the Optional Protocol?

Disability equality in Europe A good strategy needs shared objectives and an evidence base

24 point gap

No change in the gap?

Making it happen

1. Align with multi-level governance Global frameworks UN CRPD SDGs European strategies Prioritise, legislate, coordinate, support National policies Local realities, citizens’ lives!

2. Mainstream disability equality (examples) In 2012, more than half (16) the Commission’s EU2020 country reports did not mention disability in their analysis. In 2019, only one or two were missing this perspective. The number of Country-Specific Recommendation fiches referring to disability rose from three in 2012 to 12 in 2018. There were 57 references in the 2019 Joint Employment Report, compared to just 7 in 2013 (increasing each year). the UN CRPD Committee underlined the EU’s responsibilities for co-ordination in employment, education and other areas of social policies, as well as its monitoring of EU investment funds

3. Publish disability equality data and indicators

4. Prioritise actions on shared goals Disability equality in Europe? Equal opportunities Support for employment Support for inclusive education Accessibility Choices and rights Non-discrimination Political participation Support for independent living Solidarity Support for extra costs of living Social protection floor Strategic priorities…

5. Strengthen the co-ordination Parliament Member States Commission FRA Civil Society Ombuds Researchers Legal basis for inter-institutional coordination. Paris Principles suggest a ‘broad mandate’ and ‘pluralistic membership’ e.g. a ‘grand committee’ model of existing members, plus other experts?

Summary challenges Balance the breadth of the CRPD with the limited scope of EU competence. Mainstream disability equality consistently across the institutions Produce better data and disability equality indicators to support shared policy goals. Target areas where joint effort can make a difference and support the Member States. Strengthen the structure, remit and membership of co-ordination bodies.