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Equal opportunities

The EU is based on a set of values that include non-discrimination, equality and respect for human dignity and human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities (Articles 2 and 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union — TEU). The EU has the competence to combat social exclusion and discrimination, and to promote social justice and protection, equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and protection of the rights of the child.

Article 8 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) empowers the EU to introduce measures eliminating inequalities and urges it to promote equality between men and women through all its policies.

Article 153 TFEU underpins EU action in the area of equal opportunities and equal treatment in matters of employment and occupation and Article 157 TFEU recognises the principle that men and women should get equal pay for equal work or work of equal value. Article 19 TFEU grants the EU the competence to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.

The EU has adopted several directives implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women and between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age and disability in different areas of life.

  • Directive 79/7/EEC on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security.
  • Directive 2000/43/EC implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin.
  • Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation.
  • Directive 2004/113/EC implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services;
  • Directive 2006/54/EC on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation.
  • Directive 2010/41/EU on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity .

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which is annexed to the Lisbon Treaty, includes a chapter entitled ‘Equality’. This sets out the principles of non-discrimination (Article 21), cultural, religious and linguistic diversity (Article 22) and equality between men and women (Article 23). It also covers the rights of the child (Article 24), the elderly (Article 25) and persons with disabilities (Article 26).

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