On December 19, 2024, the European Commission announced plans to enhance the EU Disability Rights Strategy with new actions, while the Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib highlighted the ones achieved during the previous legislation, such as the European Disability and Parking Card and the Guidance on Independent Living and Inclusion in the community.
In response to EFHOH and other organizations’ Open Letter led by EDF “Keep up the momentum on disability rights!” Commissioner Lahbib outlined three key priorities:
The Commissioner also announced the preparation of a report on the European Disability Strategy’s implementation and the EU’s review by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in March 2025.
As reported by the European Disability Forum (EDF), some MEPs also showed Commissioner Lahbib their strong support on topics like employment, with a focus on fair and inclusive opportunities for persons with disabilities, accessibility, to ensure that public spaces and transport remain accessible to all, and independent living, to promote autonomy and community inclusion for people with disabilities.
Another key development is the establishment of a Mental Health Intergroup within the European Parliament, proposed by MEP Maria Walsh.
EFHOH warmly welcomes this initiative, which is an important Platform for addressing the mental health needs of various communities, including hard of hearing individuals.
EFHOH’s recent manifesto, Changing Mindsets: Hearing Loss and Mental Health, underscores the urgency of prioritizing mental health for the hard of hearing community.
We look forward to engaging with the Commissioner Lahbib and MEPs on matters important to hard of hearing community.