Accessibility in international developments as well

The plenary session of the European Parliament held an exchange of views on the EU Global Gateway initiative. The aim of the initiative is to implement international infrastructural developments. Fidesz MEP Ádám Kósa, said in the debate that the new direction emerging in the EU’s foreign relations is of great importance from Hungary’s point of view. However, it is important to keep accessibility in mind when implementing developments outside the EU, thereby creating a better environment for people with disabilities.

MEP Kósa emphasized: “The EU’s proposal to build a “global gateway” to the world is an important turning point in the EU’s foreign relations.”

The MEP underlined: “From Hungary’s point of view, the open door to the Western Balkans is of prime importance, including the strengthening of cooperation in the energy sector. A good example of this is the Trans-Balkan electricity corridor, which connects the transmission systems of Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia-Herzegovina with the EU, including Hungary.”

MEP Kósa pointed out that accessibility is important in the digital sector, transport, healthcare, and research and development included in the Global Gateway initiative: “If we invest in these sectors, let’s make sure that it is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities!”

Background:

The European Union presented its “Global Gateway” project on December 1, 2021. The aim of the initiative is to support infrastructure development worldwide, the undisclosed purpose of which is to be a competitor to the “Belt and Road” strategy announced by China 10 years ago, thanks to which China has strengthened its economic relations with many countries on almost every continent. The Global Gateway aims to mobilize 300 billion euros from the EU budget, member states and the private sector by 2027. The purpose of the investments is to help underdeveloped countries accelerate their green and digital transitions, develop their energy, transport and digital infrastructure, and strengthen their health or education systems in a way that benefits partner countries and the EU economies.