As EU Member States’ representatives prepare for 11 December’s EPSCO Council, organisations representing millions of EU citizens call on them to show clear commitment on the proposed Horizontal Directive on equal treatment.
AGE Platform Europe, the European Disability Forum (EDF), the European Network Against Racism (ENAR), the European Youth Forum, ILGA-Europe – the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, the Social Platform, the European Women’s Lobby, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO), the European Network on Religion and Belief (ENORB) and Eurochild launched a common statement in view of the upcoming meeting of the Employment, Social Policy and Consumers Affairs Council, urging all EU governments to show unanimous leadership on equality and adopt a strong anti-discrimination Directive with a broad scope of application.
The signing Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) argue that by stalling the adoption of the this directive, EU Member States are sending the message that they don’t care about respecting human rights and ensuring protection against discrimination for their citizens. At the same time, they maintain existing barriers to accessing goods and services, they prevent EU inhabitants from contributing to Europe’s growth as citizens, consumers and volunteers and they create obstacles for businesses and service providers.
For more information you may contact, Nena Georgantzi, Legal Officer