How can we ensure the effective involvement of persons with disabilities in Europe? This is the main question we want to address at an event organised by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in the framework of Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. According to Eurostat, about one quarter of all EU citizens over 16 years have mild to severe health problems (self-assessment, EU SILC survey). With policy makers, academics and representative associations we want to talk about the obstacles for this group to fully participate in shaping policies on public affairs and the framework for an inclusive society. Two key documents will provide orientation for the discussion: The European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.