
Labour Deputy Leader and MEP Alex Agius Saliba has been appointed co-chair of the Disability Intergroup on behalf of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) within the European Parliament.
Established last month, the Disability Intergroup will hold its inaugural board meeting this week to outline its agenda and terms of reference.
Intergroups in the European Parliament are informal assemblies of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from different political groups, brought together by shared interests in specific areas.
These groups aim to foster collaboration and expedite legislative initiatives. Dr. Agius Saliba, who has been a strong advocate for disability-related policies since his election to the European Parliament six years ago, expressed his commitment to this cause.
Speaking on his new role, Agius Saliba stated: “It is a great honour to represent the Socialists and Democrats in the Disability Intergroup.
Advocacy for policies affecting society’s most vulnerable is central to my mission at the European Parliament. Better European legislation can significantly dismantle the barriers disabled persons face daily, improving their quality of life.”
Priorities of the Disability Intergroup
The Disability Intergroup will work to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, in alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). Its agenda will span a range of legislative initiatives that impact the daily lives and well-being of persons with disabilities.
A key focus area will be addressing the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in integrating into the labour market.
Current statistics within the European Union highlight the challenges: only 50.9% of men and 45.9% of women with disabilities are employed, often in part-time roles. Additionally, individuals with disabilities are twice as likely to face obstacles in completing their education.
The Intergroup will work to foster consensus on measures to bridge these gaps, including:
Updating the Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to reflect current challenges.
Introducing provisions for disabled persons in the Traineeship Directive to enhance accessibility.
Establishing a Disability Employment and Skills Guarantee, modelled after the successful Youth Guarantee, to ensure greater support for employment opportunities.
Improving health and safety regulations and expanding the social safety net to incentivise workforce participation.
Advocating for increased funding through initiatives such as the European Social Fund to support programs aimed at enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities.
Malta’s Role in Disability Advocacy
Dr. Agius Saliba emphasised the importance of Malta’s contributions to this field, highlighting the country’s proactive stance in disability advocacy.
“Our Labour Government has surpassed European expectations by implementing a comprehensive national disability strategy that actively engages civil society and ensures a constant voice for persons with disabilities,” he noted.
However, he acknowledged that many obstacles require a coordinated European effort to address effectively. “While Malta has made significant strides, many barriers and shortcomings can only be resolved through concerted action at the EU level.
Far too many individuals suffer in silence, and my role will allow me to elevate their challenges to the highest levels of European governance. I will also ensure that Malta’s specific issues receive the attention they deserve.”
Agius Saliba’s appointment underscores his commitment to advancing policies that improve the lives of persons with disabilities across the European Union, reinforcing both his advocacy and Malta’s leadership in this crucial area.
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