Ombudsman Promises European Disability Directive

Brussels, 9 December 2003 - A burst of applause erupted as Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou assured 500 audience members that "there will be a Disability Specific Directive!"

Commissioner Diamantopoulou made this statement in Rome at the closing ceremony of the European Year of People with Disabilities on Sunday, December 7 in the context of comments about the Commission's planned 2004 Green Paper on anti-discrimination which will review EU anti-discrimination policy and put forward proposals regarding future policy objectives.

"This is a very welcome statement! During the past year the disability movement has pressed hard for legislation that would combat discrimination on the ground of disability, and the Commission has finally committed itself to a Disability Specific Directive as one ofnecessary tools to effectively tackle discrimination against disabled people," said EDF President Yannis Vardakastanis.

A Disability Specific Directive would complement the Commission's European Action plan on Disability and would work in parallel to the Framework Directive on Equal Treatment in Employment. A Disability Specific Directive would prohibit the discrimination disabled people experience in all areas of life, including public transport, education and access to goods and services.

EDF shares the European Commission's disappointment with the failure of most national governments to transpose the Framework Directive on Equal Treatment in Employment by the December 2003 deadline. A priority for EDF during 2004 will be to ensure that the Directive is properly transposed and implemented in all Member States. EDF is particularly reassured by the Commission's firm position on transposition of the Framework Directive and welcomes the Commission's willingness to take legal action against Member States in cases of non-compliance.

For more information contact:
Sofia Konstantatou
European Year Policy Officer,
Tel: + 32 2 286 51 85,
E-mail: europeanyear-policy@edf-feph.org
or
Helena González-Sancho,
EDF Communication Officer
Tel: +32-2-282.46.04
E-mail: communication@edf-feph.org

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