For those following EU politics and engaged in the disability sector, the last few weeks have been among the most eventful of the year. On 27 November, the European Parliament narrowly approved Ursula von der Leyen’s proposed College of Commissioners. With 370 votes in favour, 282 against, and 36 abstentions, this new Commission enters office as the least-supported in EU history, underscoring the deep divisions within Parliament.

In her plenary speech, von der Leyen outlined her ambitions for the coming term. She emphasised strengthening European unity, promoting economic growth and competitiveness, enhancing defence capabilities, and enhancing the EU’s global leadership role. While social and fundamental rights will also feature on the agenda, with updates to the European Pillar of Social Rights, housing policy, and women’s rights highlighted, it’s clear this is not the primary focus of the upcoming term.

Despite prior agreements among the EPP, S&D, and Renew Europe to ensure the Commission’s approval, the subsequent parliamentary debate revealed ongoing tensions. Concerns persist, particularly regarding the appointment of Raffaele Fitto as Executive Vice President. Under this scrutiny, the new Commission faces the challenge of pursuing its ambitious goals while safeguarding the EU’s democratic and social values.

The week also marked the European Day of Persons with Disabilities, an annual event that spotlighted the implementation of the European Disability Strategy. Our new president, Kirsi Konola, took part in a panel discussion and highlighted the key elements outlined in the recently published Guidance on Independent Living. She stressed the importance of in-home and community-based services, accessible and affordable housing, and the integration of mainstream services. She also underlined the critical need to build a skilled and sustainable workforce to ensure the delivery of high-quality care and support services.

As Disability Rights Week unfolds from 2 to 6 December, the European Parliament is hosting events and debates across various policy areas, aiming to mainstream disability rights and empower persons with disabilities to live on equal terms and realise their full potential. On Monday, the PETI Committee presented a comprehensive briefing on the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021–2030. This document offered an overview of legislative progress, highlighting measures already adopted and those still like the Framework for Social Services of Excellence. It also stressed the importance of EU funding mechanisms, such as the European Social Fund, in driving progress. Looking to the future, the briefing proposed several key actions, including better targeting of disability initiatives in the EU budget beyond 2027, leveraging the Youth Guarantee and Disability Employment Packages, and addressing the disability benefit trap. It also called for integrating disability considerations into the European Affordable Housing Plan and developing a Deinstitutionalisation Action Plan.

On the same day, we attended a workshop on independent living organised by the Employment and Social Affairs Committee. During the session, I had the opportunity to share perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in this area. I emphasised that support services play a crucial role in enabling persons with disabilities to participate fully in society, but success depends on working in close partnership with mainstream services, as well as with persons with disabilities and their support networks.

In addition, the Inclusion Europe Inclusion Indicators Report was launched in the presence of the new Commissioner, Hajia Lahbib, who delivered her first speech. The study assesses how 31 European countries are performing in supporting the rights and inclusion of persons withintellectual disabilities and their families. It examines areas such as independent living, housing, education, employment, healthcare, and representation. Unsurprisingly, the findings confirm that much work remains to be done across Europe to achieve full inclusion and equality.