European Parliament sets priorities: rights digitization and deinstitutionalization

In early October, European legislators focused on the practical application of norms guaranteeing freedom and dignity for citizens with disabilities.

According to the European Disability Forum, at a meeting on October 8, members of the relevant European Parliament intergroup, led by Katrin Langensiepen, outlined a development path for the near future. The agenda covered the digitization of social guarantees, issues of accessible housing, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the move away from the outdated model of closed institutions. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of an international treaty protecting the elderly.

Digital Guarantees and Freedom of Movement

The proposal to transition the European Disability Card and parking permit to digital formats received unanimous support from MEPs. However, parliamentarians agreed that technical innovations alone are insufficient. Idoia Mendia characterized the updated document as a full-fledged charter that should operate seamlessly across the entire European Union. Tilly Metz noted the lack of actual mobility, observing that changing residence or employment in another country still involves significant obstacles. Katrin Langensiepen emphasized that further steps must be coordinated with relevant civil society organizations.

Safety and Accessibility of Emergency Assistance

Safety in crisis situations also requires immediate intervention. According to analysis prepared by the European Union of the Deaf and the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People, only eight out of twenty-five countries studied offer 24/7 accessible emergency services. Often, assistance is limited to text messaging exchanges, which completely blocks sign language users from calling for help. Lara Magoni reminded colleagues of the need to guarantee equal access to emergency services, citing the practice in Lombardy, Italy, as a benchmark. Alexander Bloks from the European Disability Forum added that solutions to these challenges must be reflected in future EU budgets and the Digital Networks Act.

International Agenda: Protecting the Elderly

The meeting concluded with a review of global initiatives. Philippe Seidel Leroux from AGE Platform Europe discussed the long, fifteen-year journey toward adopting a UN convention on the rights of older persons. Last year, parties finally agreed to establish an intergovernmental working group. Annual Geneva sessions are expected to culminate in a zero draft of the document by the end of 2027. The initiative has already been supported by 81 co-sponsors of the resolution, including 14 EU countries. Mendia and Metz called on all European institutions to coordinate actions internationally in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons.

Moving Away from Isolation Toward Independence

MEPs described the cessation of investment in building new closed institutions as a fundamental shift in social policy. Financial flows should be redirected toward services supporting citizen autonomy. Tilly Metz expressed frustration that the European Union has not yet established a reliable foundation for deinstitutionalization.

"Deinstitutionalization cannot be separated from social integration; otherwise, we risk exacerbating isolation," Alex Saliba emphasized, drawing on Maltese experience and urging a distinction between institutions restricting freedom and centers for adaptation.

Langensiepen confirmed the European Parliament's unwavering position: European funds will no longer finance isolation.

Oversight and Next Steps

The outlined plans require swift implementation. The next major milestone will be the European Day of Persons with Disabilities Week, scheduled for November 30 to December 7, 2026. By this time, and before the next intergroup meeting, parliamentarians are advised to request detailed reports from relevant national ministers-overseeing transport, digital environments, and social affairs-on the actual status of electronic card implementation in their jurisdictions. This approach will ensure continuous monitoring of commitments made and bring us closer to creating a truly inclusive society, which was the purpose of the intergroup's gathering in early October.