In a written answer on 14 July 2026, Commissioner for Equality Helena Lahbib detailed the European Commission's ongoing and planned measures to address the persistent discrimination and exclusion of women and girls with disabilities in the EU, responding to a parliamentary question from MEP Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE). The answer highlights the Commission's commitment to an intersectional approach, but largely reiterates existing strategies and legislation rather than announcing new concrete initiatives.
The Commissioner pointed to the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 as the overarching framework, noting that it promotes an intersectional perspective to address the specific needs of women and girls facing multiple forms of disadvantage. Among the flagship actions, she cited the Guidance on independent living, which encourages Member States to use EU funds to tackle unequal access to social services and to include a gender perspective in deinstitutionalisation policies. The Communication on Enhancing the Strategy up to 2030 further reinforces this dimension, with a commitment to launch a study on violence against women with disabilities in the EU.
On accessibility, Lahbib emphasised the European Accessibility Act, which sets requirements for key products and services such as phones, computers, and banking services, with a transposition deadline of 28 June 2025. She also referenced the Violence Against Women Directive, which recognises that women with disabilities disproportionately experience violence and allows for aggravating circumstances when an offence is committed against a person with a disability. The directive requires Member States to provide targeted support for victims with intersectional needs, including specialist support, helplines, and shelters that can accommodate victims with disabilities, as well as guidelines for law enforcement on disability-sensitive treatment.
The answer does not introduce new numerical targets, deadlines, or funding commitments beyond those already in place. It focuses on the implementation and enforcement of existing EU legislation, with the Commission's role being to monitor transposition and provide guidance. The expected institutional follow-up includes the upcoming study on violence against women with disabilities, which could inform future policy adjustments, and continued monitoring of Member States' compliance with the Accessibility Act and the Violence Against Women Directive.