How EURES supports jobseekers with disabilities

If you are living with a disability, you are not alone. 1 in 4 adults in the EU have some form of disability. You may encounter barriers in everyday life, such as inaccessible services, products, or environments. These challenges are reflected in the statistics: 1 in 2 persons with a disability feel they are treated unfairly, 1 in 5 are more likely to leave education early, and 1 in 5 remain unemployed, placing them at higher risk of poverty and social exclusion. These figures underline the importance of initiatives that promote equal opportunities and support.

The EU considers equality, diversity and inclusion high priorities, and that is why it is committed to ensuring everyone participates in society on equal terms, including the workplace. When it comes to your career, EURES is your go-to source for finding fulfilling work that is suited to your needs.

Via the EURES portal, you can:

• browse millions of job opportunities across the EU;
• get access to a network of over 1 000 EURES Advisers across 31 countries ready to provide tailored support and guidance;
• find information on living and working conditions specific to people with disabilities in your country of interest;
• get the latest news on events that can support your journey to employment.

Mission: inclusion

According to principle 17 of the European Pillar of Social Rights, people with disabilities have the right to income support that ensures living in dignity, services that enable them to participate in the labour market and in society, and a work environment adapted to their needs.

To support this mission, several actions are being implemented to assist people with disabilities at work, such as:

• encouraging further education and training to improve employability;
• ensuring suitably modified working environments, including accessible technology;
• maintaining inclusive hiring processes;
• providing specialised career counselling; and
• opening the door to more and varied work opportunities.

EU careers for all

Are you interested in a career in EU institutions? Several initiatives across Europe pave the way for EU nationals with recognised disabilities to join EU institutions and bodies as staff members or trainees. Check out some opportunities below.

Each year, the European Parliament welcomes six persons to join as contract agents. If you are selected, you will receive a one-year contract with the possibility of renewal. To check whether you are eligible, visit the Positive Action Programme 2025 page. As soon as applications for 2026 are open, you can apply via the Apply4EP platform.

Additionally, if you have graduated or are in your third, fourth or fifth year of university, you can apply for one of the 5-month paid traineeships the Council of the European Union offers twice a year. For more information and how to apply, visit the Council's dedicated webpage. Similar opportunities with other EU institutions are also available.

Initiatives like the above, along with EURES' efforts to remove barriers to employment, benefit everyone. By welcoming diverse talents and skills, workplaces become more open, inclusive, and full of opportunities for people to learn and grow together.

Would you like to know more about the career support available for people with disabilities across Europe? Join the online webinar Working Without Barriers - Mobility & Inclusion on 18 November and discover the resources specifically designed to assist your employment journey.

Related links:

European Commission - European accessibility act

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