During the recent EDF Board meeting in the frame of the French EU-Presidency in Paris, France, the following Statement on Economic Crisis and Disabled People was launched:
On 2 July, the European Commission adopted the long-awaited "social package", containing 19 initiatives in the areas of employment and social affairs, education and youth, health, information society and economic affairs. The renewed social agenda is part of this package.
According to the Commission, the package "represents a new commitment to social Europe and consists of an integrated approach bringing together various policies. It shows how the EU can help to create opportunities, provide access and demonstrate solidarity".
The Social Platform selected the main events of the French presidency that relate to social issues.
Major events related to social issues, planned by or under the French presidency:
The European regulation on the rights of air passengers with disabilities enters into application on the 27th of July. This regulation includes a number of rights for disabled persons when travelling by air, such as the right to non-discrimination, assistance and compensation in case of damaged mobility equipment.
The European Commission has worked together with EDF and other stakeholders in producing an information video, targeted at persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility, containing information about the relevant provisions of the regulation.
The new EU regulation enabling disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility to enjoy equal opportunities to travel by plane entered into force on 26 July 2008.
The new rules that will give disabled persons and elderly persons access to air transport comparable to that enjoyed by all other passengers flying to or from, or passing in transit though, airports in the European Union, with no discrimination and at no additional cost.
EDF has fought several years for this much needed legislation, and contributed to its preparation, adoption, and implementation.
Brussels, March 31 to April 1, 2008
On the 31st of March to the 1st of April, EDF organised together with the European Commission a workshop for EDF members on the regulation 1107/2006 on the rights of persons with disabilities when travelling by air. The aim of the workshop was to empower those representatives from the disability movement to take on an active role in the implementation of the regulation at national, regional and local level, and more specifically in the setting up and delivery of the training to airport and airline staff on disability equality and disability awareness, in defining the quality standards for assistance provision and in designing the points of arrival at an airport.
Commissioner Spidla officially stated at the European Parliament Employment and Social Affairs Committee meeting on 2nd April that the European Commission would propose non discrimination legislation on the ground of disability.
The European Commission has launched a guidance note on the preparation of the National Strategy Reports (NSR) on Social Protection and Social Inclusion. These reports should establish a list of priorities and objectives of the European Union member States in the fields of social inclusion, pensions and healthcare and long-term care.
The NSR will consist of four parts :
On 12 December 2007, the Committee of Minister of the Council of Europe adopted two new Resolutions as follows