2007 � European Year of Equal Opportunities for All

16 October 2006

In June 2006, the European Council and European Parliament adopted the proposal by the European Commission to declare 2007 the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All. The campaign will include a number of activities on European level, but also on national and local levels in the member-states.

The campaign aims to secure the implementation of the strategy for efficient fight against discrimination, promote diversity and equal opportunities, and introduce the citizens to the European legislation in this field.

EC proposed four topics for the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All:

The first topic is the issue of rights � raising the public awareness about the right to equality and nondiscrimination, regardless of one�s sex, sexual orientation, race, ethnic background, religion, age or disability. Being equal doesn�t mean being the same. The principle of equality and its implementation has to take into account the diversity and secure the right to same treatment to every person.

The second topic is the issue of representation � we need a series of debates to promote the greater participation of women, national minorities and disabled persons, as well as equal inclusion of women and men in all sectors and on all levels, especially in the fields of labour and politics.

The third topic is related to recognition � public debates on the importance of diversity, values and positive influence that each person can have in the society, regardless of its sex, race, ethnic or religious background.

Finally, the fourth topic covers respect � promotion of social cohesion, tolerance, solidarity and sensibilization of the public to the importance to abolish the accepted forms of behaviour and violence.

At European level the campaign will include an Equality Summit, Euro-barometer surveys on European approach to discrimination, pan-European campaign on European policies and legislation in the area of prevention of discrimination.

Each member-state will present its ideas and strategy for 2007 to the European Commission, and the activities shall commence after the Commission has reviewed and negotiated each of the proposed national strategies.