04/05/2006 (Agence Europe) - The Council has adopted the decision of the Parliament and of the Council establishing the European year of equal opportunities for all (2007) - towards a just society, reflecting an agreement reached at first reading with the EP, the Council and the Commission. 2007 will be the opportunity for EU Member States and other countries concerned to step up their efforts to implement legislation on equal treatment and non-discrimination. The aim of this European year of equal opportunities is to make discriminated groups more aware of their rights, to stimulate debate on ways of increasing the participation of discriminated persons in society, to accentuate the benefits of diversity and disseminate values underlying the elimination of stereotypes, prejudice and violence, in particular through the financial support of meetings and events, promotional and educational campaigns, surveys and studies. On 31 May, the Commission adopted its proposal for a decision (see EUROPE 8959) on this matter and the EP adopted the report by Martine Roure (PES, France) on the same subject during its plenary session in December 2005.