On Wednesday 26 June, three European equality networks - the European branch of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA-Europe), the European Network Against Racism and the European Disability Forum - sent an open letter to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
They are urging Germany to lift its block on the directive proposed in 2008 on equal treatment of persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation (EUROPE 13431/28).
Despite majority support from EU Member States, Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria are still expressing reservations about the text, which requires unanimity.
As the organisations point out, Germany cites internal disagreements in its government.
With the Belgian Presidency coming to an end, Hungary must now take charge of the dossier (see EUROPE 13436/24).
The signatories of the letter stress that this persistent blockage prevents millions of European citizens from benefiting from equal protection against discrimination.
They also point out that the rise of far-right parties across Europe makes this legislation more urgent than ever.
The letter: https://aeur.eu/f/ctz (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)