Brussels: In the context of Disability Week, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Marilena Evangelou, was invited and attended two important public debates at the European Parliament and the European Commission, in Brussels.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Evangelou participated in an event organized by the European Commission in cooperation with the European Disability Forum, where she delivered the opening speech alongside the Danish Minister of Social Affairs and Housing, Sophie H¦storp Andersen, and the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that inclusion and integration require active participation in all areas of life, supported by the necessary empowerment and assistance for people with disabilities to achieve full and meaningful integration into an inclusive society free from stereotypes. On the sidelines of the event, Evangelou engaged in a bilateral meeting with European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, discussing the work programme of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, with a focus on disability-related issues. She also informed Lahbib about a new legislative reform in Cyprus aimed at upgrading social benefits and introducing new services for people with disabilities.
On Wednesday, Marilena Evangelou took part in a public hearing of the European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee, focusing on the quality of support for people with disabilities and potential actions at the European Union level. Evangelou highlighted the necessity of ensuring quality services for people with disabilities to facilitate their equal participation in social, economic, and political life, as well as their personal development.
The Deputy Minister also pointed out the significant role of involving people with disabilities in policy design relevant to them, promoting innovation, and evaluating services. She underscored the importance of sharing good practices among Member States to enhance knowledge, a focus area during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. Evangelou further engaged in bilateral meetings with MEPs, members of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, and her counterparts on the sidelines of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO).