European Parliament strong position on the Web DirectiveAlejandromoledo23/12/2013
European Parliament strong position on the Web Directive
Last November, the European Parliament IMCO committee voted the legislative resolution of the proposal for a Directive on Accessibility of Public Sector Bodies' Websites. The report was approved by 30 votes against 3, and it shows a strong support from MEPs to persons with disabilities.
Instead of covering just 12 types of websites as the European Commission proposed one year ago, the European Parliament has worked in consultation with the relevant stakeholders to achieve a more ambitious legislation that would require web accessibility to all websites managed by public sector bodies, including those that are co-funded by them.
The text also includes those online services that are usually provided by private entities to the public, such as gas, heat, electricity and water, transport, childcare, health services or bank services. In addition, the committee proposes that a separate authority shall be appointed in each member state in order to enforce, monitor and report the implementation of this legislation. In fact, a complaint mechanism for problems with web accessibility will be set up as well to allow users to claim for their right to access the content and functionalities of these webpages. MEPs also acknowledged the importance of addressing accessibility regardless the platform, therefore smartphone apps related with these websites and delivering public information and services to citizens would also fall into the scope of this Directive.
After this good news, now it is time for the Council to start the negotiations with the Parliament as soon as possible in order to reach an agreement in the first reading and before the European elections. It is crucial that from the disability movement and other organizations, we contact our governments and call for this legislation to be considered as a priority. Let's act!
(I recommend reading the article from MEP Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, rapporteur of this Directive at the European Parliament: http://www.neurope.eu/article/stop-putting-commerce-human-rights-commissioner-kroes)