As many already know, next
January 1, 2010, Spain, together with Belgium and Hungary, will assume the
Presidency of the European Union under a new trio presidency system, for 18 months, until June 30, 2011. The Minister of Health, Social Policy and Sport, Trinidad Jimenez, has announced that
Spain’s priority regarding European policies will focus on social issues, placing particular emphasis on gender equality, rejecting gender-based violence, promoting active aging, and, very strongly, developing strategies to support people with disabilities.
Regarding this last point,
Spain will organize an Informal Conference of Ministers on Disability in Zaragoza on May 19, 2010. The intention is that, following this summit and once objectives have been established, a European conference will be organized in which
all organizations representing people with disabilities in the European Union and the various public administrations working in this area will participate. It will be a kind of pro-European conference bringing together everyone who works day after day for the rights, equal opportunities, and quality of life of people with any type of disability. Without a doubt, this is hopeful news for all the organizations that wish to see these objectives achieved.
According to the Minister herself,
"This conference will address matters such as accessibility, an essential aspect of achieving equal opportunities. It will also address other issues, such as participation, personal autonomy, employment, and inclusive education for people with disabilities. 
You can find more information about the European Union, Spain’s upcoming presidency, and citizen participation by clicking
here
Regarding this last point, Spain will organize an Informal Conference of Ministers on Disability in Zaragoza on May 19, 2010. The intention is that, following this summit and once objectives have been established, a European conference will be organized in which all organizations representing people with disabilities in the European Union and the various public administrations working in this area will participate. It will be a kind of pro-European conference bringing together everyone who works day after day for the rights, equal opportunities, and quality of life of people with any type of disability. Without a doubt, this is hopeful news for all the organizations that wish to see these objectives achieved.
According to the Minister herself, "This conference will address matters such as accessibility, an essential aspect of achieving equal opportunities. It will also address other issues, such as participation, personal autonomy, employment, and inclusive education for people with disabilities. 
You can find more information about the European Union, Spain’s upcoming presidency, and citizen participation by clicking here
