The Withdrawal of the Anti-Discrimination Directive: A Setback for European Equality

The European Parliament’s intergroup on Ardi, disability, and LGBTIQ expresses deep disappointment over the EU Commission’s withdrawal of a vital directive intended to guarantee equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of background.

The EU Commission’s Disheartening Decision

Today, the Ardi-, disability-, and LGBTIQ intergroup of the European Parliament have expressed profound disappointment regarding the European Commission’s recent withdrawal of the proposal for a council directive focused on equal treatment. The directive aimed at protecting individuals regardless of their religion, belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation. Across the continent, communities that have historically faced discrimination now find themselves even more vulnerable in the wake of this decision.

A Betrayal of Fundamental Rights

As Melissa Camara, co-chair of the Ardi intergroup stated, this withdrawal is not merely a bureaucratic oversight; it represents a betrayal of millions of Europeans who experience daily discrimination. For over 16 years, marginalised communities have awaited stronger protections, which have now been unceremoniously retracted by the Commission. This alarming hint towards capitulating under rising populist sentiments raises serious concerns about the EU’s commitment to human rights.

Call for Action and Unity

The withdrawal presents significant challenges for the protection of fundamental rights across the EU. MEP Marc Angel emphasised that justice cannot exist without safeguarding the most vulnerable groups. The Commission must reconsider its stance and actively engage with civil society organisations to ensure that strong anti-discrimination legislation is not just an aspiration, but a binding reality. As advocates of equality, we must unite and insist on a future where diversity and inclusion are guaranteed rights for all citizens.