19/04/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 19 April, the Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, condemned the lack of European legislation guaranteeing the implementation of the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. “This legal gap is simply unacceptable”, insisted the Commissioner, speaking at a conference on the EU Disability Rights Strategy (see EUROPE 12670/4) organised by the Portuguese Presidency of the EU Council. She called on Member States to reach an agreement on the draft directive on equal treatment presented in 2008. Negotiations in the EU Council have stalled over this text, despite repeated calls from MEPs for progress to be made. The only directive on equal treatment currently in force applies solely in the context of employment. (AC)