92000E3054

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3054/00

by Anneli Hulthén (PSE) to the Commission

(28 September 2000)

Subject: Scope for disabled people to take advantage of the freedom of movement in the EU

Pursuant to Article 13 of the Treaty of Amsterdam, all EU citizens must be able to take advantage of the freedom of movement within the Union. However, for people who have various kinds of physical disability and who need special transport facilities and personal assistance, the scope for doing so is still very limited.

What measures does the Commission consider necessary to make it easier for disabled people to travel across Member States' borders? Are we going to be able to see any progress in this area within a reasonable period of time?

Answer given by Mrs. Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2000)

The concern expressed by the Honourable Member is precisely that which guided the Commission at the time of the adoption on 12 May 2000 of its communication to the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Towards a barrier-free Europe for people with disabilities(1). Indeed, this document stresses that mobility plays a crucial role in ensuring full participation in economic and social activity and that, in contrast, immobility limits the effectiveness of disabled people's rights, including with respect to freedom of movement.

Accordingly, the Commission has identified approximately 40 Community initiatives likely to facilitate accessibility for disabled people to transport and other infrastructures in the short, medium and long term. The Honourable Member is requested to refer to the aforementioned communication for additional information.

(1) COM(2000) 284 final.