Petitionsausschuss

The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament, in association with the Committee on Petitions, is jointly organising a public hearing on the European Citizens’ Initiative “End the Cage Age’’. The initiative was registered on 5 September 2018 and its result was submitted to the European Commission, after having gathered the support of almost 1.4 million signatories with the minimum threshold reached in 18 Member States.

On 22 March the Committee on Petitions hosted a workshop on LGBTI+ Rights in the EU, organised by Policy Department C. In this workshop the study “Obstacles to the Free Movement of Rainbow Families in the EU” was presented. This study examines the various obstacles rainbow families face when moving within the EU. The workshop was followed by the presentation and discussion of several petitions received by the committee, exposing examples of these obstacles.

On 22 March 2021, Helena Dalli, Commissioner for Equality, presented the new Disability rights strategy for 2021-30. The strategy aims to ensure that people with disabilities can experience full social and economic inclusion on an equal basis with others and live free from discrimination.

On 23 March 2021, Members examined a petition concerning the alleged lack of transparency and sharing in relation with the European Union vaccine strategy. According to the petitioner, the Commission and EU Member-State governments have imposed legal restraints on making public details concerning COVID-19 vaccine deals signed with industry and the lack of transparency would have fueled uncertainty and disinformation concerning COVID-19 vaccines.

On 23 March 2021, Members discussed five petitions raising the issue of family rights and freedoms in the field of education and on the right to education for children with disabilities in specialized centers in Spain, at the light of the new Spanish Law on Education.