European Union

We work with our EU partners to promote equality and combat discrimination.

European Commission

Equality and non-discrimination are the responsibility of Directorate General Justice and Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding.

The Commission monitors compliance with existing non-discrimination legislation and is responsible for implementation of its Strategy for Equality between women and men. We participate in a number of Commission-run groups on equality where we promote UK policy and exchange best practice, including:

• EU Non-discrimination Governmental Expert Group
• EU Commission's Advisory Committee on Equal Opportunities for women and men
• EU High-level Group on Gender Mainstreaming

Council of the European Union

The Governments of the Member States negotiate on equality and non-discrimination matters at the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council.  Current negotiations include a draft Directive on Equal Treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. 

The Council also monitors progress on implementation of the EU strategy for equality between women and men, including through adoption of Council conclusions on gender equality.

More information on the Equal Treatment Directive

More information on the EU Gender Equality Strategy

European Parliament

The European Parliament's Women's Rights & Gender Equality Committee is responsible for the definition, promotion and protection of women's rights and equal opportunity in the Union.

There is no Parliamentary Committee with specific responsibility for LGB&T rights, however, there is a group within the Parliament which seeks to promote awareness of LGB&T issues and promotion of rights.

More information about the European Parliament's Women's Rights & Gender Equality Committee

More information about the European Parliament's Intergroup on LGBT Rights