On 4 October 2007, a massive and festive outdoor gathering took place in Brussels, at Rond Point Schuman, from 13h to 15h. More than 2000 people attended this festive, multicultural and colourful event to stand for the rights of disabled people.   

 

There were delegations of disabled people from 30 European countries, political speeches and a variety of musical performances. Next to the podium, a van containing the boxes of more than

1 200 000 signatures were ready to be handed over to the EU leaders. Thousands of balloons were released carrying the campaign slogan: WE ACT TODAY FOR A BETTER TOMORROW. Various Belgian authorities, artists, NGOs, Members of the European Parliament attended the event in support of the European Disability Forum's campaign. Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament adressed the participants, as well as Margot Wälstrom, Vice-President of the European Commission, to whom were handed over the signatures.

 

The gathering was a success. Unfortunatly, in the last minute, José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission decided not to participate. No justified reason could be given to the event participants.

 

Read more about the 4 October gathering here :

 

Announcement (English version) : PDF | Word

Announcement (French version) : PDF | Word

Announcement (Dutch version ) : PDF | Word

 

Programme of event (English version) : PDF

Programme of event (French version) : PDF

Programme of event (Dutch version) :  PDF