European Commission Revives Equal Treatment Directive – A Critical Step Forward for Equality in the EU
MPG welcomes the European Commission’s decision to place the Equal Treatment Directive – also known as the Horizontal Directive – back on the EU’s legislative agenda after its surprise removal earlier this year. This proposal is a crucial step toward closing long-standing protection gaps in EU anti-discrimination law.
Isabelle Chopin, Director of the Migration Policy Group, said:
“We welcome the European Commission’s decision to revive the Equal Treatment Directive – a long-overdue proposal that represents a cornerstone for comprehensive anti-discrimination protection in the EU. At a time when marginalised communities face growing inequalities, this proposal is more relevant than ever.
Its return to the agenda reflects the sustained advocacy of civil society and the European Parliament, but the journey is far from over. The Council must now demonstrate the political will to deliver on the EU’s promises of equality and fundamental rights. We urge all Member States to seize this opportunity to finally close the protection gap and build a truly inclusive Europe.”
A Reversal After Civil Society Pressure
Originally proposed in 2008, the Equal Treatment Directive aims to extend protection against discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation beyond the area of employment, covering essential services such as education, housing, healthcare, and access to goods and thus harmonising the level of protection against discrimination with the so-called Racial Equality Directive protecting against discrimination on racial or ethnic ground in the above mentioned fields.
In February 2025, the Commission announced its intention to withdraw the proposal from its work programme, citing a lack of foreseeable agreement among EU Member States. The decision was met with widespread criticism from civil society, Members of the European Parliament, and equality bodies. MPG, a long-standing advocate behind the EU’s anti-discrimination framework, joined others in strongly condemning the move, calling it a serious setback for fundamental rights and the credibility of the EU’s “Union of Equality” agenda.
Following sustained pressure and vocal support from the European Parliament and a large majority of EU Member States, the Commission has now revived the proposal.
A Directive Still in Limbo
While the Commission’s reversal is a positive development, the Directive’s future remains uncertain. For it to move forward, the Council of the EU must reach unanimous agreement – a hurdle that has stalled progress for over 15 years. As of June, several Member States continued to oppose the current draft compromise text.
which started on the 1st of July 2025, has committed to relaunching discussions and will place the Directive on the agenda of the Social Affairs Ministerial meeting currently planned for December 2025. MPG urges the Council to make full use of this opportunity to reach consensus and ensure the proposal finally becomes law.
Why This Directive Matters
Despite robust EU legal protections against discrimination in employment, protection remains fragmented in other areas of life. The current legal patchwork leaves many individuals – especially older and younger people, persons with disabilities, and those facing discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief and sexual orientation – without sufficient safeguards when seeking healthcare, housing, education, or social services.
Our Commitment
MPG remains committed to the fight for equality and the advancement of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation at the EU level. The revival of the Equal Treatment Directive is a victory for civil society, but it must be followed by determined political action.
We call on all Member States to act with courage and urgency. The EU cannot afford to stall again. Now is the time to protect the rights of all people – not just in principle, but also within the legal framework.
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About the Migration Policy Group (MPG)
MPG is an independent think-and-do-tank based in Brussels. MPG’s purpose is rooted in its ability to inspire networks to provide evidence-based projects, research and campaigns in the areas of integration, migration and anti-discrimination.