The next Freedom Drive will take place from 29 September – 1 October in Brussels, Belgium. It will be the 12th edition of this key campaign, which started in 2003 in Strasbourg, at the initiative of the late Martin Naughton from Ireland. The main slogan of the Freedom Drive will be NO MORE EXCUSES – OUR TIME IS NOW. We will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities that is marked this year.
This page contains the key information about the Freedom Drive, to help you plan your participation. We invite all our members, Independent Living activists, allies, supporters and anyone who is interested in the right to live independently and being included in the community to join us in Brussels. Let’s be strong, proud and visible together!
A dedicated Freedom Drive website was launched in August 2024 and will be used to update you about all aspects of the Freedom Drive. Please check it regularly, to make sure you do not miss anything important. Registration will open in March.
Freedom Drive 2026 Website
Schedule of events
28 September – Monday
- Arrival of participants
29 September – Tuesday
- Parallel workshops
- Banner making
- Youth Cafe
- Meetings of Freedom Drivers with members of the European Parliament (organised by different delegations)
30 September – Wednesday
- Protest in front of the European Union institutions
- Picnic in front of the European Parliament
- Hearing in the European Parliament
1 October – Thursday
- Conference
- Dinner & Party
2 October – Friday
- Departure of participants
- ENIL Board meeting
- ENIL Youth Board meeting
Freedom Drive 2026 Website
For additional information, please write to: freedom.drive@enil.eu