Brussels, 04/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission launched an online public consultation on Thursday within the framework of an exercise designed to involve the key stakeholders and the public in defining the measures to fight against discrimination. The consultation site - http: //europa.eu.int/yourvoice/consultations - will be open until the end of August to receive suggestions on the way in which the EU can help fight discrimination and promote the benefits of diversity.
Why is such consultation necessary when there is already Community legislation on discrimination on the basis of race, ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion or beliefs? The reason is that some problems persist, says the Commission in a communication. Indeed, there is some evidence that certain forms of discrimination are on the increase, and the minimum standards which exist in the EU have not been fully implemented and enforced in some member states. The Commission would like to hear the opinion of those on the ground, to know how they feel and what they expect from the EU. Following the consultation (which is the result of a green paper on equality and non-discrimination in the enlarged EU, adopted by the College on 26 May), the Commission will be able to design policies, which reflect people's concerns and which could make a real difference to their lives.