Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-12-12-Speech-1-162"
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"en.20051212.19.1-162"2
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".
Mr President, the European Union can be proud of its achievements in the field of non-discrimination, which place it amongst the most advanced regions in the world in this respect. In 2000, we adopted two key directives: one which outlaws racial discrimination, and another that bans direct and indirect discrimination in employment on the grounds of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. However, legislation alone is not enough to counter discrimination effectively. Many Member States are falling behind with their transposition schedules, and where national legislation complies with the European directives, it is unfamiliar to the general public and not properly implemented.
The Commission has therefore proposed, inter alia, to declare 2007 the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All. It is intended to make the public aware of the benefits of a just society that offers everybody the same opportunities, irrespective of sex, ethnic or racial origin, religion or belief, capacity, age or sexual orientation. It will highlight the benefits of diversity as a source of social and economic vitality, which Europe must acknowledge and make use of. This diversity enriches the social fabric of Europe and is a vital component of its economic prosperity.
The discussions and activities during the year will be organised around three main topics. Firstly, the right to equality and protection against discrimination. A key element will be to make the general public aware of the fact that equal treatment does not necessarily mean identical treatment, but that, sometimes, different treatment is required in different situations. Secondly, recognition of the positive contribution that everybody, whatever their personal characteristics, makes to society. The aim will be to make the public aware of the rewards and advantages accruing in Europe through diversity. Thirdly, better representation in society of disadvantaged groups: a debate will be initiated on ways to rectify the under-representation and under-participation of certain groups in society. Fourthly, respect and tolerance
and among the various communities that make up European society.
Civil society and the social partners will be fully involved in implementing the European Year. One of the key principles of implementing the Year will be that activities will be decentralised at Member State level. To get this message across effectively, the Year must be implemented as closely as possible to the citizens. Finally, it must be ensured that, during the Year and in all the Member States, equal importance is attached to all the grounds for discrimination set out under Article 13 of the Treaty, namely discrimination based on sex, ethnic or racial origin, religion or beliefs, disability, age or sexual orientation."@en1
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