National information

Governments in all EU countries are taking steps to comply with the directives on equality. This is as true in countries where legislation outlawing discrimination was already fairly extensive before the directives were agreed as in those where it was more limited. Even in countries where arrangements for combating discrimination were well established, these did not meet the requirements of the directives in every respect and needed some modification. This was particularly so as regards the directive on equality in employment which outlaws discrimination on grounds of religion, age, disability and sexual orientation. While laws had been introduced in several countries to protect people with disabilities and particular religious beliefs, this was much less the case as regards age and sexual orientation. The steps taken so far vary a lot between countries. Differences in the legislation already in place and in the arrangements which exist for protecting and assisting the victims of discrimination mean the responses to the directives also differ.

For more information on what is happening in your country, please click on your national flag.