European Parliament, 5 December 2023

Inter-parliamentary meeting of European Parliament Committee on Employment and Social Affairs on participation of persons with disabilities in electoral process

The participation of people with disabilities in the electoral process was the central theme of yesterday's meeting of the European Parliament Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL). The meeting was held in the context of the Week for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and was attended by members of national Parliaments, both in person and via teleconference. The Hellenic Parliament was represented by the Chairperson of the Special Standing Committee on Equality, Youth and Human Rights, Maria Antoniou.

The participants had the opportunity to exchange views and to be informed about accessibility and possibilities of participation for people with disabilities in the electoral process in EU member states, as well as relevant measures adopted by the European countries in view of the upcoming European elections.

In her intervention, Mrs Maria Antoniou noted that the Greek electoral legislation contains provisions on the mandatory facilitation of disabled persons by any appropriate means to be provided  by the president and the members of the electoral committee during the electoral process; in this framework she highlighted recently enacted legislation providing for the creation of a special reception area and also outlining specific procedures for support of persons with reduced mobility upon their arrival at the polling stations and during exercising their right to vote. She added that Ministry of the Interior portals, including those uploading information material for the elections, have incorporated accessibility services in line with international standards, also stressing that the possibility of adopting further support measures for persons with disabilities during exercising their right to vote in the upcoming European elections is currently being explored. Closing, Mrs Antoniou highlighted the Prime Minister’s and government’s initiative to introduce postal voting, to apply as of the upcoming European elections, which will further support persons with disabilities, allowing them to exercise their right to vote with no need of transportation.

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola and the Vice-President, Evelyn Regner addressed the meeting’s participants via a welcome video message.

The EMPL committee of the European Parliament is responsible for employment and all aspects of social policy, including working conditions, social security, social inclusion and social protection.

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