In March 2021, the European Commission adopted the Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030, which sets out 8 priority areas reflecting the key areas of the UN Convention on rights of persons with disabilities. These cover accessibility, the enjoyment of EU rights, a decent quality of life and independent living, equal access and non-discrimination, the global promotion of disability rights, effective delivery of the Strategy, leading by example as a public administration, and awareness, governance and monitoring of progress.

At the halfway point, on 6 May 2026, the European Commission adopted the Communication “Enhancing the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities up to 2030” as announced in the Commission Work Programme. Since barriers continue to limit the full participation of persons with disabilities in society and the economy across the EU, this Enhanced Strategy renews the commitment of the European institutions and all stakeholders to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities, with a stronger emphasis on implementation and practical measures. It is the result of consultations with Member States, civil society, EU institutions and the United Nations.
Among the concrete improvements envisaged, specific measures include:

• Full delivery and digitalisation of the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for Persons with Disabilities.
• Making assistive technologies and AI accessible and affordable for everyone.
• Ensuring access to transport for persons with disabilities across the EU, including in rail, maritime and air transport.
• Promoting inclusive democracies and more accessible elections, starting from the 2029 European elections.

The Strategy aims to guarantee full participation in society, independent living, and equal access to quality employment. To that end, the European Commission calls on the EU Alliance for independent living to support deinstitutionalisation and promote self-determination and urges stronger ìimplementation of the Disability Employment Package to foster a wider and more inclusive labour market. It also calls for more inclusive education and improved access to justice and healthcare. In addition, the Strategy underlines the importance of inclusive emergency guidelines and disability-trained responders.

The European Commission further affirms the role of the EU as a global leader and a positive example for others. This entails incorporating the perspective and needs of persons with disabilities into Ukraine’s reconstruction, Global Gateway investments and external action as well as strengthening their inclusion in humanitarian aid and enlargement processes. Within EU institutions themselves, persons with disabilities should find a welcoming and accessible environment: the Strategy encourages them to apply to the Blue Book traineeship programme and calls for building more inclusive workplaces and digital environments in the EU’s own institutional framework.