The European Disability Forum (EDF) has analysed the 2026 European Semester Spring Package and found a record number of references to disability issues. The European Semester is the EU's annual process for reviewing the economic and social situation in each Member State and recommending areas for improvement. While these recommendations are not binding, they influence national reforms and will play an even bigger role in guiding the use of EU funds from the next long-term EU budget onwards.

This year, disability was mentioned 591 times across the Country Reports, showing that the European Commission is paying greater attention to the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. The reports most frequently highlighted barriers to employment and the higher risk of poverty and social exclusion. They also gave greater attention than in previous years to inclusive education, access to affordable and accessible housing, independent living, community-based support services, social protection and assistive technology.

The analysis also found that four countries received disability-related Country-Specific Recommendations. Belgium, Bulgaria and Ireland were encouraged to take further action to improve employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, while Estonia received recommendations related to social protection. This is a significant development, as disability is rarely mentioned directly in these recommendations and is usually only discussed in the background analysis (the country reports).

Employment was the issue most frequently linked to disability, appearing in all 27 Country Reports. Poverty and social exclusion were mentioned in 22 reports, while social protection, support services, education and deinstitutionalisation also featured regularly. Overall, EDF's analysis shows that disability rights are becoming more visible in EU policy discussions and that EU institutions are increasingly recognising the need for Member States to address the barriers faced by persons with disabilities.

Read EDF's analysis: European semester 2025: clear message to EU countries on disability rights - European Disability Fo…