On 23 April 2008, the Disability Intergroup met in the European Parliament in Strasbourg to discuss the report on the future of social security systems and pensions. The Members of the European Parliament (MEP) met with representatives of organisations for the integration of persons with disabilities.

Once again it became that institutions are massively put into question. Many members of the gruoup openly called for an integration of persons with disabilities outside of institutions. In their opinion, those persons need to be more involved in their social environment. In order to achieve this goal, a change in mentality is necessary.

Following the meeting, Thomas Umsonst, responsible for European Affairs at BAG WfbM, had the opportunity to talk with Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, Vice President of the Disability Intergroup. During the meeting, they developed the idea to organise a visit of a German workshop for adapted work for the members of the committee. By doing so, prejudices should be overcome and the assessment of those institutions could effectively be improved. BAG WfbM will organise such a visit.

Thomas Umsonst also met with the European parliamentarians Udo Bullmann and Bernhard Rapkay (both member of the Social Democrats). Udo Bullmann coordinates the implementation of the goals of the Lisbon agenda within the Group of the PES (Party of European Socialists). One of their objectives is to integrate more people with disabilities into working life. However, the wording in the Lisbon treaty on this issue is rather general so far. Udo Bullmann therefore advocated the review of specific initiatives in the relevant committees of the European Parliament.

In his conversation with Bernhard Rapkay, Thomas Umsonst focused on the design of the legal framework for social services. The MEP assumed that new initiatives in this field of legislation are not to be expected before the next elections to the European Parliament.

The status quo concerning social services is summarised by a communication from the European Commission, which was published in November 2007. In this document, the Commission acknowledges that the regulation of such services can best be achieved at the member state level. Consequences arising from the implementation of the reform treaty are currently under investigation.

Both MEPs expressed their interest in visiting a workshop for adapted work in their constituency as soon as possible. BAG WfbM will see to organise the visits.