Self-Advocates Lead the Way in Brussels: European Project Brings Voices of People with Down Syndrome to the EU Level

Brussels, May 2025 — In mid-May, self-advocates with Down syndrome from across Europe gathered in Brussels to share their experiences, their priorities, and their vision for a more inclusive future. The three-day event marked a key moment of the European Self-Advocacy Project, bringing self-advocates directly into dialogue with European institutions.

At the heart of the event were the self-advocates themselves. During a public panel at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), participants from nine countries spoke in their own languages about what self-advocacy means to them, how the training supported their personal growth, and why being heard matters. Their contributions showed that self-advocacy is not an abstract idea, but a practical skill that strengthens confidence, independence, and participation in everyday life.

Beyond the panel discussions, participants shared the results of their national trainings through visual presentations and informal exchanges. These moments of peer learning highlighted how the same curriculum was brought to life in different local contexts across Europe.

The event also placed strong emphasis on political dialogue. During a reception at the European Parliament, hosted by Mr. Alexander Matthew Agius Saliba, Member of the European Parliament and Co-Chair of the Disability Intergroup, self-advocates met with parliamentarians and key stakeholders.

During the reception at the European Parliament, self-advocates, partner organisations, and Members of the European Parliament spoke about working together to create a better future for self-advocates across Europe.

This declaration reflects that shared commitment to cooperation, inclusion, and support for self-advocacy.

On the final day, self-advocates held individual meetings with Members of the European Parliament, presenting their experiences and priorities directly to policymakers. These exchanges offered a concrete opportunity to put newly developed advocacy skills into practice and to demonstrate the importance of including self-advocates in decision-making processes.

The Brussels gathering confirmed the value of investing in self-advocacy training and in spaces where people with intellectual disabilities can speak for themselves at the European level. Building on this momentum, the partner organisations will continue their cooperation to strengthen self-advocacy across Europe.

Co-funded by: Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union
Coordinated by: EU voor trisomie 21