European Disability Leaders Meet Luxembourg Minister to Discuss Priorities

A delegation of European disability leaders met with Luxembourg’s Minister of Family, Max Hahn, on 26 September 2026 to discuss key disability rights priorities in Luxembourg and across Europe. The meeting was held during the European Disability Forum’s (EDF) Executive Committee gathering. It was supported by the Luxembourgish Ministry and Info-Handicap – the Conseil national des personnes handicapées, Luxembourg’s national council for persons with disabilities.

The delegation was led by EDF President Gunta Anca and included Info-Handicap’s Treasurer and Board Member Nadine Medinger, alongside their Director Christine Zimmer. Discussions focused on critical issues such as accessibility, independent living, and legal capacity for persons with disabilities.

Positive Developments and Ongoing Challenges

Disability advocates welcomed Luxembourg’s ambitious new accessibility legislation and were informed about a forthcoming comprehensive National Action Plan on Disability. The delegates called for further progress in several areas, including:

  • Guaranteeing the right to legal capacity and full autonomy, highlighting that some guardianship systems in Luxembourg remain inconsistent with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
  • Criminalising and strengthening safeguards against forced treatment and forced sterilisation of persons with disabilities.
  • Improving accessibility of emergency communication systems and the availability of relay services.
  • Developing personal assistance schemes as vital tools for independent living and social participation.

Statements from Key Representatives

Gunta Anca, President of the European Disability Forum, said:
“I appreciate Luxembourg’s commitment to working with organisations of persons with disabilities and the progress achieved. I was particularly interested in Luxembourg’s work towards a ‘one-stop shop’ for disability-related support, as well as practical initiatives on workplace inclusion, accessibility training at Luxembourg Airport, inclusive culture and tourism, and ‘silent hours’. We encouraged the Minister to pursue policies on personal assistance and supported decision-making fully aligned with human rights treaties.”

Christine Zimmer, Director of Info-Handicap, added:
“It was a great honour to welcome the European disability movement to Luxembourg! An important part of our discussion was that accessibility goes beyond just buildings and infrastructure. We also need to break down barriers in people’s minds by challenging stereotypes, changing attitudes, and ensuring persons with disabilities are recognised and included as equal members of society with the same rights, choices, and opportunities. Together, we can continue to work towards a truly inclusive, accessible, and rights-based society.”

Related News and Further Information

The EDF also recently joined organisations in filing a complaint against Belgium for deepening digital inequality, called on EU negotiators to ensure the Digital Networks Act covers accessible communication, and welcomed the potential boost to disability rights from proposed EU public procurement rules. For detailed updates, see the newsroom on the EDF website.

For more information, please contact the EDF secretariat at info@edf-feph.org.