Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002594/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Charlie Weimers (ECR), Beatrice Timgren (ECR), Dick Erixon (ECR)
In an open letter, Camilla describes how the EU requirements regarding daily rest periods are clashing with a Swedish law (‘the LSS’) designed to ensure that people with disabilities are offered support and services.[1]
The aim of the LSS is to make sure that people with disabilities can live as dignified and independent a life as possible. Camilla lives in accommodation provided under the LSS and, as a result, the EU rules are having a negative impact on her. If she needs to travel, she can’t get an assistant to accompany her, especially if an overnight stay is required.
The Commission’s reinterpretation of the EU rules is having an adverse impact on many Swedes. Camilla describes how the EU has taken away her freedom to go on longer trips, and in her new circumstances she feels like she’s ‘in a cage’. It’s become more difficult to do what she’s always dreamt of doing. Camilla says that the world that people with disabilities live in getting smaller and smaller, and because of the EU, they are becoming even more isolated and faring worse.
The staff at Camilla’s accommodation and other people working as LSS assistants share her concerns. Camilla says they think the EU rules are hampering their flexibility and their ability to brighten up people’s daily lives.
Camilla ends her letter by expressing her wish for the rules to be changed to bring more flexibility and to make it possible to meet people’s needs under the LSS system.
- 1.Is the Commission aware of the ways in which EU rules are affecting the quality of life of people with disabilities?
- 2.Does the Commission take the view that the current rules are in line with the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights, which states that people with disabilities have a right to live independently, to have a job and to be part of the community?
- 3.Is the Commission going to review the rules with a view to addressing the problems with 24-hour shift work?
Submitted: 26.6.2025
- [1] https://www.na.se/2025-06-20/oppet-brev-till-eu-ledamoterna-och-politiker-om-dygnsvila