The new year has started and with that, new initiatives, projects and events – with the same goal to improve access to the right to independent living for all disabled people in Europe! This year, we are marking the 20th Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the first year of ENIL’s new Strategic Plan 2026 – 2029.
With this article, we aim to give you information about what you can expect from the European Network on Independent Living – ENIL in 2026.
We hope to see many of you at the 12th Freedom Drive, which will once again bring the independent living movement to Brussels. Alongside the march, ENIL will organise workshops, an event in the European Parliament, and spaces for exchange between activists, organisations and allies. We will support two young activists with the first Martin Naughton Prize. Check the Freedom Drive website for more information, and see you in Brussels from 29 September – 1 October!
A major part of our work will focus on EU policy and funding. ENIL will continue its work on state aid, highlighting positive examples of how public funding can support access to the open labour market. Housing will also be a one of ENIL’s key priorities. We will publish a briefing on the role of housing in independent living and housing will be at the centre of our advocacy, including a dedicated conference during Freedom Drive.
We will engage in key EU policy processes, including advocacy on the Equal Treatment Directive, work on legal capacity and supported decision-making, contributions to discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), and providing input into the development of an EU Action Plan on deinstitutionalisation.
We will monitor the use of EU funds and take action where funding risks reinforcing institutionalisation rather than community-based support and independent living. Expect complaints and a new briefing.
ENIL will also focus on practical support and capacity building for independent living activists and allies. This includes technical assistance on personal assistance, a study visit to a Centre for Independent Living, webinars on deinstitutionalisation, and new training tools. We also plan to establish our first advisory panel on intersectionality, to help us make ENIL more representative.
Youth leadership remains central to our work. Through the ENIL Youth Network, youth-led events and projects, we will continue to support young disabled people to shape advocacy and action at European level.
Throughout the year, ENIL will continue monitoring EU policies, implementation of the UN CRPD at EU level, and we will publish new research and awareness-raising materials, including the first Independent Living Pillar Report on sexual and reproductive rights, a new Myth Buster on older people and Independent Living, and updated data from the Independent Living Survey. Regular newsletters, briefings and online events will keep members informed and involved.
We are in the process of restructuring our team and start with a planning event in March, in Brussels. We look forward to introducing them to you. We will soon welcome our new ESC volunteers and will open the call for our first trainees.
Finally, we continue with our projects. In February, we will close the FURI Project with a final conference in Brussels. Our project on strategic litigation for older people StratAGEic and on energy poverty ASSERT will continue with the new activities and resources.
In short, in 2026, ENIL will continue working with its members and partners to ensure that independent living is not just a principle, but a reality across Europe.
Our activities in 2026 are supported by funds from the European Union, Uloba Independent Living Norway, STIL, Robert Bosch Foundation and the European Youth Foundation. We thank them for their support and invite other donors to support our activities or sponsor the Freedom Drive.
Most importantly, follow our Newsletters, website and social media and get involved!
