Non-discrimination
The EU works to promote equality and prevent discrimination in society through its policies and initiatives.
EU law protects against discrimination
EU legislation prohibits discrimination on several grounds, including:
- sex
- race or ethnic origin
- religion or belief
- disability
- age
- sexual orientation
These protected discrimination grounds are listed in article 19 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Further grounds are enshrined in article 21 on non-discrimination of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which covers non-discrimination.
Racial discrimination
EU rules make it illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of their race or ethnicity.
A Council directive, dated 29 June 2000, on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin, ensures that individuals are protected from this type of discrimination in areas such as employment, education, and access to goods and services.
The European Commission has also developed the EU anti-racism action plan 2020-2025, which acknowledges that racial discrimination remains a persistent issue in society.
The plan outlines measures to tackle racism and promote greater inclusion.
Discrimination against Roma
The EU highlights the importance of the equal treatment of Roma and their equal participation in society. Member states are committed to effectively combat discrimination against members of this minority and to promote their inclusion in society.
In 2021, the EU Council adopted a recommendation on Roma equality, inclusion and participation.
The recommendation seeks to enhance the social inclusion of the Roma community, addressing the barriers they face in key areas such as education, employment, housing, and healthcare.
Workplace discrimination
In November 2000, the Council established a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation.
Under this directive, discrimination in the workplace based on any of the protected grounds—i.e. religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age—is prohibited in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, working conditions, and pay.
These five grounds for discrimination, together with gender discrimination, are explicitly included in the Treaty of Lisbon, which empowers the EU to take action to prevent such discrimination.
Equal treatment for men and women
The EU has also put in place measures to ensure equal treatment for men and women in the workplace and in access to goods and services.
In the workplace
In 2006, the EU passed legislation guaranteeing that men and women are entitled to equal treatment in the workplace, including:
- equal pay for equal work
- protection from sexual harassment
- right to maternity and paternity leave
- access to training and promotion without gender bias
To achieve this goal, the EU has also established laws to reduce gender pay gaps and promote women’s access to leadership positions.
Gender equality
Accessing goods and services
Discrimination based on sex is also prohibited when accessing goods and services, including the pricing of goods and services, thereby ensuring that men and women are treated equally in areas such as:
- healthcare
- housing
- banking services
Under the legislation, member states must require companies to stop practices that lead to unequal treatment, particularly in pricing based on gender, with a view to protect both consumers and service providers.
Discrimination against people with disabilities
The EU and its member states are working to ensure that all people with disabilities:
- enjoy their rights, including free movement
- can participate fully in society and the economy
- do not experience discrimination
Key achievements
Although barriers still remain, the EU has made progress in improving accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities through various legislative measures and initiatives.
The EU has set accessibility requirements for certain products and services, ensuring that people with disabilities have better access to goods, services and public spaces.
Websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies need to be made accessible to people with disabilities, thus enhancing digital inclusion and equal access to online public services.
The European disability card serves as proof of disability status anywhere in the EU, giving people with disabilities access to the same special conditions as residents of the country they visit.
Equality bodies
The EU has established equality bodies to promote equal treatment and non-discrimination in member states.
These are independent agencies tasked with protecting individuals’ rights and ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
Their key functions include:
- offering independent support and advice to victims of discrimination
- conducting surveys and research to assess the prevalence of discrimination
- publishing reports and making policy recommendations on how to improve equality
- raising public awareness about rights related to equality and non-discrimination
In 2024, the Council adopted two directives that strengthen the role of equality bodies by establishing minimum standards in areas such as competence, resources and independence from external influences.
See also
Equality
Fundamental rights in the EU
Labour rights
Last review: 30 July 2025