Calling for the EU to revisit the decision to withdraw the Horizon equal treatment directive and to put forward effective legislation to protect EU citizens from discrimination.

Dear
European Commission President Von der Leyen,
Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib, and
Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law Michael McGrath,

The European Commission’s abrupt withdrawal of crucial EU Anti-Discrimination legislation from its 2025 Work Programme undermines a long-standing commitment to create a “Union of Equality”, a pledge that was renewed by the EU’s new Equality Commissioner Hadja Lahbib as recently as November 2024.

Taking the directive off the table at a time when discrimination is at an alarming rise across the EU exposes countless vulnerable individuals and already-marginalized communities to continued discrimination in key areas such as access to goods and services, housing, and social protection.

It also raises urgent questions about the Commission’s commitment to fundamental rights and its resolve to counter the growing political pressure from populist and nationalist forces, both within Europe and outside it.

By retreating on equality, the EU is underlining its disconnect from the reality of millions of its citizens and also damaging its ambition to be a global leader in human rights.

We believe that the Commission must either urgently reconsider its decision or table a robust new legislative proposal which reaffirms its many pledges to reinforce equality policies and actions.

This is not the time for retreat. The fight for equality must become stronger.

Sincerely,  
Women Against Fascism

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