| In addition to the areas
identified as possible aims for the next intergovernmental
conference, the EDF has agreed a number of campaign objectives
in its short-term strategy programme. The outcome of Amsterdam
and the areas explored in this Guide will greatly influence the
dynamics of the work, and create an unprecedented new political
and legal impetus.
Little, however, can be pursued formally prior to
ratification, with the exception of the title on employment. At
the time of publication, the ratification process is going
smoothly in all the Member States, and it seems that the
aftermath of Maastricht will be avoided. Yet, as history
demonstrates, an unexpected political event may trigger serious
reservations. Should this occur, the disability movement must be
vigilant, and be ready to work with their relevant government
representatives to ensure that the commitments made during the
Amsterdam Summit are not jeopardised.
The disability movement is also concerned to reflect on the
best way to exert a positive influence on the forthcoming
European Parliamentary elections. This guide has explored a
number of areas which might usefully be addressed in local
manifestos, and disabled people’s organisations at all levels
have a major responsibility in discussing these with prospective
MEP candidates.
The EDF 1998/1999 work programme has identified a number of
campaign issues in which the new provisions in the Amsterdam
Treaty as identified in this Guide will play a fundamental role.
Perhaps the most important of these are discussions around the
new European disability programme. The evaluation report of the
HELIOS II Programme was adopted by the Commission in January
1998. This clearly highlighted the value of a new venture
focusing on the participation of disabled people as key
stakeholders.
The question of an appropriate legal base for such a
programme remains, and as this Guide demonstrates, the Amsterdam
Treaty did not provide an unequivocal legal base, but rather a
number of possible options, which require definition and are
largely dependent on political will among all Member States. The
EDF and its members must continue to campaign to ensure a
political climate which is conducive to the adoption of a new
disability programme.
The Guide also pinpoints other campaign actions which should
be pursued by EDF members and are seen by them as key priorities
for the foreseeable future. Particular emphasis will be placed
on the follow-up to the employment guidelines, and the scrutiny
role which the EDF must play in monitoring national action plans
and shaping next year’s guidelines.
On the threshold of an enlarged European Union, another major
area of work must be rigorous proofing of the human rights
criteria to ensure that the human rights of disabled people
within the applicant States are also a vital benchmark. In this
connection, the EDF will be encouraging existing or emerging
organisations in the new Member States to prepare their
membership for active involvement in the work of the EDF. Again,
this guide will prove to be an invaluable resource and ongoing
reference tool.
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