In the past two weeks, there may not have been news as high-profile as the approval of the new European Commission, but important developments have still taken place in the European Parliament. New intergroups and special committees have been approved, shaping the agenda for the coming legislative term. Meanwhile, the Parliament is holding its last plenary session of the year in Strasbourg, where critical discussion and decisions are underway, including a debate on the need to update the European strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities. 

After months of advocacy by civil society organisations, the list of intergroups in the European Parliament has been approved. Intergroups are informal networks of MEPs focus on specific topics. For this tenth legislative term, a total of 28 intergroups have been established and several of these are particularly relevant to EASPD’s work. These include the Disability Intergroup, the Child Rights Intergroup, the Intergroup on the Future of Education and Skills, and the Intergroup on Social Economy and Services of General Interest. There is also potential for collaboration with intergroups on trade unions, mental health, and fighting poverty. Intergroups are important platforms for advocating policies that promote inclusion, improve social services, and support the rights of persons with disabilities and their families. 

In addition to the intergroups, political leaders in the European Parliament have agreed to set up two new special committees and to expand the remit of a subcommittee. Special committees have a renewable 12-month mandate and have previously tackled critical issues such as organised crime, corruption, and the EU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The emphasis on housing of this new legislative term is confirmed through the setting up of a new special committee on the Housing Crisis, with MEP Irene Tinagli (Italy/S&D) expected to chair its work. Another special committee will focus on tackling foreign interference to safeguard EU institutions. In parallel, the Subcommittee on Public Health (SANT) has also been strengthened and will now officially oversee areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, health crisis preparedness, mental health, and patients’ rights.  

These developments mark significant steps towards addressing key challenges facing Europe today. EASPD is determined to engage with intergroups and committees to ensure that the access to quality support for persons with disabilities, their families, and carers remains a priority in the European policy agenda.