The European Commission’s recent decision to withdraw the Equal Treatment Directive has sparked outrage among civil society organisations across Europe. The directive aimed to close significant legal gaps in EU anti-discrimination laws, ensuring equal protection for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, or ethnic background. By scrapping this proposal without an alternative, the Commission is effectively abandoning its commitment to a Union of Equality at a time when marginalised communities need protection the most.
Currently, EU anti-discrimination laws create a hierarchy of protection, where some forms of discrimination are more effectively addressed than others. The Equal Treatment Directive sought to harmonise these protections, ensuring that LGBTIQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, religious minorities, older persons, and young people are safeguarded when accessing goods, services, housing, healthcare, and education. Its withdrawal leaves these groups vulnerable, reinforcing systemic inequalities.
The decision has been widely condemned by ILGA-Europe, TGEU, IGLYO, the European Disability Forum, and other key civil society organisations. Their concerns are clear: at a time when the far right is gaining ground across Europe, scrapping this directive is a dangerous political gamble. Instead of reinforcing human rights, the Commission is sending a message that discrimination will go unchecked.
Advocates are now demanding that the Polish EU Presidency and the European Parliament take urgent action. The Commission must either reinstate the directive or propose a stronger, intersectional alternative. The EU has a responsibility to protect its citizens—now is not the time to backtrack on equality.
You may also like
-
DAY-7- United in Action! How Local Communities Drive LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
RainbowHouse Brussels invites the public, local authorities, and community leaders to join the landmark conference
-
Step Into Mustii’s Maze : To Find Yourself, You Must First Get Lost
Actor, singer, and the Belgian representant at the 2024 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest,
-
DAY-6- “MAUVAISES VIES?”: Debate on Fatphobia in the Queer Community with Marc Martin and Les Ours de Bruxelles
On May 12 at 7 PM, LaVallée in Brussels will host a free public debate
-
DAY-5 – Brussels Pride 2025 – “UNITE TO PROTECT” Interview with Xavier Wyns, coordinator
This year’s Brussels Pride theme is “Unite, Time to Protect Our Rights”. The theme emerged
-
TransPédéGouines Collective Faces Ban on Independent Pride March in Liège
The TransPédéGouines collective, known for its outspoken stance on LGBTQIA+ issues, has encountered a setback
English 
French 
Dutch