EU Commission urges member states to implement equality plans

Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Commission urges Member States to implement equality strategies.

The EU Commission assumed three reports on key strategies sought to end discrimination and build a Union of Equality: the EU Anti-racism Action Plan 2020-2025, the EU Roma Strategic Framework 2020–2030, and the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020–2025. 

The reports emphasise progress in setting up national anti-racism action projects, strengthened support for Roma communities, and a reduction in LGBTIQ discrimination. However, racism and hate towards the LGBTIQ people have grown. Member States are urged to adopt and deliver national strategies and action programs to foster inclusion, tackle structural discrimination, and raise funding and administrative resources. 

How are member states progressing on equality strategies?

The reports discovered that Member States must form their collection of data, as well as embrace ambitious targets to measure their improvement in Roma inclusion, which is still deemed insufficient.

In her remarks, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, stated: “Our reports show many accomplishments including the adoption of key legislation, national action plans and strategies or funding programmes. But to promote a society free from racism, discrimination, and inequality, we must step up our joint actions and strengthen our cooperation with Member States and civil society organisations.”

On this occasion, Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, stated: “These reports provide an update of the position regarding discrimination against persons with a minority racial or ethnic origin, Roma and LGBTIQ persons, and the actions taken to implement the EU equality strategies. On its part, the EU Commission intends to follow up on the progress with new strategies. I call on all Member States to continue to act for a Europe where everyone, in all their diversity, is equal and free to pursue their life.”

How is the commission pushing for post-2025 equality strategies?

This EU Commission has made fighting all forms of hate and discrimination a priority. In December last year, the Commission and High Representative Josep Borrell assumed a Joint Communication entitled ‘No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred’. The Commission has also submitted to extend the list of EU crimes to hate crime and hate speech. Already in 2008, racism and xenophobia became criminal violations in the European Union. 

Commission stressed that the Member States shall fulfill new binding standards for equality bodies. In the coming mandate, and as contemplated in her Political Guidelines and mission letters, President von der Leyen laid down her preference to task a Commissioner with proposing a renewed LGBTIQ equality strategy for post-2025, offering a new Anti-Racism Strategy, and spearheading the enactment of the EU Strategic Framework for Roma Equality.