190 likes | 303 Views
Equality and non-discrimination in an enlarged EU Green Paper. Why a Green Paper? Review progress since Article 13 & Directives What more can EU do to promote non-discrimination? Dealing with challenges linked to enlargement Improving data collection & monitoring
E N D
Equality and non-discrimination in an enlarged EUGreen Paper
Why a Green Paper? • Review progress since Article 13 & Directives • What more can EU do to promote non-discrimination? • Dealing with challenges linked to enlargement • Improving data collection & monitoring • Cooperation with stakeholders • Complementarity with other policy areas
Organisation of the public consultation • Green Paper adopted 28.5.04 • Consultation period 1.6.04 – 31.8.04 • On-line questionnaire (IPM) • Generally welcomed by all stakeholders • 1500+ responses
High rate of response from DE (and other large MS) • Low level of participation from new MS
+ 1049 individual members of the public High level of interest from national (and European) NGOs
Non-discrimination and enlargement: • Disappointing participation from new MS • But 88% think EU should reinforce efforts • Situation of Roma • Attitudes to sexual orientation in new MS
Impact of EC anti-discrimination legislation: • 49% think Directives have had limited or no impact • National authorities, equality bodies and employers see strong or very strong impact • NGOs and individuals less positive
Attitudes and awareness-raising • Implementing legislation (stressed by individuals)
Main issues: Hierarchy of grounds / levelling up Particular focus on goods and services Positive action / positive duties Structural discrimination
Stimulate debate • Particular sensitivities in some Member States
Strong support for better data collection: • 93% regard data collection as important / very important • 94% agree or strongly agree that the EU should cooperate with MS and stakeholders … but need to exercise caution: • Sensitivity of personal data and protection of privacy … and further debate regarding the way forward: • Need for both quantitative and qualititative data • EU RTD Programme, EUMC & future HR Agency
Recognition of added value of EU funding • Information and awareness-raising • Monitoring impact of legislation • Some concerns regarding accessibility for smaller NGOs
Greater involvement of national authorities, organisations working with potential victims, regional and local authorities • Subsidiarity / European added value?
Majority in favour, but a minority strongly opposed Mainstreaming, multiple discrimination, specificities
Strong support for specific action on gender Legal basis and institutional arrangements
Key conclusions: • Strong demand for action by EU to tackle discrimination • Existing legislation – transposition and implementation • Support measures – importance of awareness-raising • New initiatives – "levelling up"? • Better data collection – but how? • Involving stakeholders at different levels • Mainstreaming – a culture change