Age discrimination is experienced in various ways, both directly and indirectly, and can take the form of legal or policy barriers, stereotypes, prejudice or harassment. It can be experienced as an individual or directed at a group. This presents a huge challenge for older people and it is at the root of many of the problems they face. They have to deal with challenges driven by negative imaging and stereotyping, and assumptions about their economic potential, productivity, skills, and income needs.

Such negative perceptions fail to acknowledge the enormous cultural, social and professional resource represented by older people and are unacceptable in the 21st century.

Age discrimination takes place in all spheres of life, in access to employment and in daily activities in access to goods and services.  

EU non discrimination legislation

Since 2000, the European legislation protects everyone living in the EU from discrimination at work on grounds of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.  The so-called Framework directive 2000/78/EC introduced the principle of equal treatment in employment and training irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.  However, exceptions are allowed on the ground of age which, depending on the way these provisions have been interpreted at national level, may limit the protection, for example of those who wish to continue to work past retirement age.    

  In 2008, following hard lobby from EU non discrimination NGOS including AGE, the European Commission proposed a new draft Directive to protect everyone living in the EU against discrimination based on age, disability, sexual orientation and religion or belief beyond the workplace, i.e. in access to goods and services.  Unfortunately this proposal is not supported by some Member States and discusions within the Council are not progressing.

For more information on your rights and duties in terms on non discrimination, please visit the European Commission dedicated webpage.  Information is available in all EU languages (click on the required language in upper right corner rolling menu)  

Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union 

With the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in December 2009, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union provides a legal framework for ensuring that a whole range of civil, political, economic and social rights of European citizens are respected by Member States whenever they apply EU law.

EU policy-makers have a standard checklist to assess how proposed EU legislation could impact the fundamental rights of citizens when they transpose it in their own national legislation.

Annual reports will take stock of the strategy’s progress and monitor how countries are respecting the Charter. The reports will be based on information provided by NGOs, rights agencies, EU institutions, courts and national authorities. The first report is due in spring 2011.

Another key part of the strategy is to help ordinary people better understand their rights, including where they can turn for help. A new internet site – the ‘e-Justice portal’ – will be a first port of call for citizens with complaints related to their rights under EU law.

For more information on your rights as an EU citizen or resident, visit the European Commission webpage on the EU Charter.  

Contact person: Rachel Buchanan This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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