In the last five years the EU has taken some steps to reduce
discrimination and promote the positive benefits of diversity. New
legislation has been introduced, including the Employment Equality
Directive and the Racial Equality Directive.
It has also set up a Community Action Programme to combat
discrimination, which supports projects and activities and raises
awareness of discrimination issues.
But despite these measures there is evidence that some forms of
discrimination are on the increase and that EU minimum standards
have not been fully implemented and enforced in some Member
States.
The Commission has therefore adopted a Green Paper, entitled
"Equality and non-discrimination in an enlarged EU", setting out
the steps already taken to ban discrimination. The Green Paper
identifies areas where further action is necessary, and suggests a
range of practical measures that could support the efforts of
national authorities, civil society and other stakeholders.
The Commission also wishes to take soundings from stakeholders
and the general public as to the best way to move forward, and is
inviting comments on the Green Paper through an attached
questionnaire.
The consultation, which is available on-line, will be open until
31st August.
