On 4 November 2025, EASPD joined policymakers, experts, and civil society leaders at the European Parliament for a breakfast discussion “Healthy workforce, competitive Europe: confronting the impact of RMDs on EU labour shortages”, organised by the MEPs for Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease Action. The event focused on addressing labour market barriers for people living with disabilities, including through initiatives like the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan and the Quality Jobs Roadmap.

More than 120 million people in Europe suffer from a rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMD) – including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic lower back pain – and they are one of the key underlying causes of Europe’s persistent disability employment gap and lack of social convergence.

Speaking at the event, EASPD stressed that the Quality Jobs Roadmap (to be launched in early December this year) must make sure no one is left behind, especially persons with disabilities and their carers. These groups are essential to close Europe’s labour shortages, but still face many barriers, from limited job opportunities to low pay and the absence of reasonable accommodation.

EASPD shared concrete recommendations on how to create better employment opportunities for people with disabilities, improve job quality in care and support services, and ensure that informal carers have access to the services they need to stay active in the labour market.

We also called for stronger use of EU tools and funds to promote inclusive hiring and better use of data to shape informed policies.