Equality is one of the core values of the European Union. The EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights recognises the right of all citizens to freedom from discrimination. 2007 will be the “European Year of Equal Opportunities for All”, to give fresh impetus to the fight for real equality.
The year’s activities will kick off with an equality summit on 30-31 January in Berlin. The summit will be attended by ministers, representatives from national and international organisations dealing with equality, European NGOs and European social partners.
The European year of equal opportunities for all aims to raise awareness among European citizens of their right to equal treatment. Specifically, the Charter of Fundamental Rights prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.
Focusing on equal opportunities is a way of celebrating the diversity of the EU. With every country, region and locality involved, you will have a chance to participate in an activity near you. Each country has a national implementing body to coordinate its activities, and national strategies will be unveiled soon.
There will also be activities at European level: a survey to reveal attitudes towards diversity and discrimination and an information campaign on European anti-discrimination policies and laws. The European Training Foundation is organising a conference on equal opportunities for all in education and employment, to focus on the role of vocational education and training in promoting equality in education and the labour market.