The Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021–2030 is the EU’s main strategic framework for disability rights during this decade. It aims to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in Europe and beyond, building on the previous European Disability Strategy 2010–2020 and strengthening the EU’s commitment to equality and inclusion.
The Strategy covers several major policy areas: accessibility, EU rights, decent quality of life, independent living, equal access and non-discrimination, delivery of the Strategy and global action. It is also part of the wider Union of Equality, alongside EU strategies on gender equality, anti-racism, Roma inclusion and LGBTIQ equality.
A key feature of the Strategy is its practical orientation. It includes flagship initiatives such as the European Disability Card, guidance on independent living and inclusion in the community, a framework for social services of excellence, the Disability Employment Package, the Disability Platform and measures to strengthen diversity and inclusion within the European Commission. The Commission describes the Disability Employment Package as one of the initiatives designed to bring and maintain persons with disabilities in quality and sustainable jobs.
Analytically, the Strategy marks a shift from disability policy as a narrow welfare issue towards disability rights as a cross-cutting governance agenda. It connects social protection, labour-market inclusion, accessibility, mobility, digitalisation, public services and participation in democratic life.