Update February 2006

The European Commission published its proposal for a Decision on the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All in 2007.

The main objective of the Year is to raise awareness across the EU of equal opportunities issues which will cover all forms of discrimination and equal opportunities including disabled persons.

This European Year will provide funding for events, information campaigns, surveys, studies and support for cooperation between business and enterprises.

Most activities in the context of the Year will be carried out at national level.

National Coordinating bodies are being set up in each country. These Coordinating bodies MUSTinclude representative organisations of people facing discrimination, including representatives of disability organisations.

It is therefore crucial that National Councils in each country:

• identify the ministry / service dealing with the preparations for the Year
• look for information about the setting up of the National Coordinating Body and try to be included in it
• influence the work programme at national level for disability to be taken into account within national actions
• ensure that there will be activities about equal opportunities for disabled people (disability is one of the grounds of discrimination in Article 13).

Please also keep the EUD Secretariat informed of your actions in this area.

More information is available on the European Commission website.