Equality
How the EU addresses discrimination, ensures equal opportunities, and fosters diversity.
The EU promotes equality in workplaces, education, healthcare, and public life.
Its initiatives focus on gender, racial and ethnic inclusion, disability rights, religion or belief, and LGBTQ+ protection.
Gender equality
Although inequalities persist, substantial progress has been made in recent decades towards achieving gender equality.
In the EU, this progress is due to legislation, the integration of a gender perspective across all policies, and targeted measures for women’s empowerment.
New rules on pay transparency aim to ensure equal pay for equal work.
New EU rules aim to improve protection across the EU, online and offline.
The EU aims for at least 40% women on company boards by 2026.
Women continue to carry a larger share of caring and domestic responsibilities compared to men.
Fighting discrimination
The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union protects against any discrimination based on ground such as:
- sex
- race or ethnic origin
- religion or belief
- disability
- age
- sexual orientation
Equality bodies
The EU established equality bodies to promote equal treatment and non-discrimination in member states.
The bodies offer independent support to discrimination victims, conduct surveys, publish reports, and make recommendations on discrimination issues.
Racial discrimination
EU rules make it illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of their race or ethnicity.
In 2021, the Council adopted a recommendation on Roma equality, inclusion and participation.
The EU anti-racism plan 2020-2025, recognising that discrimination persists in our society, set out measures to address these issues.
Accessibility and inclusion
The EU aims to make various products and services more accessible for older people and people with disabilities.
Many people with disabilities still face barriers to accessing healthcare, education, jobs, leisure, and to political participation.
Disability card and parking card
Moving freely in the EU has been made easier for people with disabilities. The European disability card and parking card ease access to their rights and to preferential conditions in all EU countries.
The cards serve as proof of disability status anywhere in the EU.
Latest news
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union 2026 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union Strengthening representation of EU workers in multinational companies: Council greenlights revision of the European works council directive
Related meetings
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy) - 1 December 2025
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy) - 17 October 2025
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social policy) - 19 June 2025
Latest explainers
The EU's gender pay gap: facts and figures
EU health policy
Pay transparency in the EU
Last review: 4 August 2025