The ARDI-, Disability- and LGBTIQ+ Intergroup of the European Parliament acknowledge the European Commission’s 2025 Work Programme released today, which presents a mixed picture for human rights of vulnerable groups in the European Union.

We express our profound disappointment with the Commission’s decision to withdraw the Proposal for a Council Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation (COM(2008)426 final 2008/0140 (CNS)).

“The European Commission’s decision to withdraw the Anti-Discrimination Directive is a direct attack on fundamental rights and equality in the EU. For over 16 years, marginalised communities have waited for stronger protections, only to be abandoned at a time when discrimination is on the rise. This is not just a bureaucratic decision—it is a betrayal of millions of Europeans who face daily discrimination. We will not stand by as the EU turns its back on its commitments. ARDI will continue to fight for a Union where equality is not optional, but a guarantee for all,” said MEP Melissa Camara, Co-Chair of the ARDI Intergroup.

“We have not waited over 16 years for the adoption of the directive to see the Commission withdraw it now without any alternative proposal. This is not the time to cut off equality. In the US we see how inclusion and diversity programs disappear one by one. As the EU we must stand together, united for diversity and non-discrimination, not only symbolically, but with binding legislation. The EU has ratified the UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with disability and has to give us a legal framework to claim our rights,” added MEP Katrin Langensiepen, Co-Chair of the Disability Intergroup.

The withdrawal of this crucial legislative proposal leaves a significant gap in EU anti-discrimination law, leaving many Europeans vulnerable to discrimination in key areas of life, including access to goods and services, housing, and social protection. It also raises broader questions about the Commission’s commitment to fundamental rights and zero discrimination, particularly as political pressure from populist and nationalist forces grow across the continent. This move risks undermining the EU’s credibility as a global champion of human rights and sends a worrying signal to vulnerable groups.

“This is a disgrace for Europe, a betrayal of our democratic values, and an insult to millions of our citizens who face discrimination in their daily life. Today, the Commission has capitulated to populism. But let me be unequivocal: there can be no justice without the protection of our most vulnerable groups,” commented MEP Marc Angel, Co-Chair of the LGBTIQ+ Intergroup. “The European Union must stand firm as a beacon of justice, inclusion, and diversity. In these troubled times, Europe must not drift toward Trump’s ideology or abandon the very foundations of our Union. We must reinforce and uphold the Union of Equality, not unravel decades of hard-won progress”.

“The right not to be discriminated against is not a nice-to-have, it is something everyone deserves. Today, the Commission chose not to fight for equal rights and abandoned their work towards a union of equality and a safe Europe for everyone. The Commission gave up, but we will not give up, or go backwards. We are ready to fight, and demand the Commission to do the same.,” concluded MEP Kim van Sparrentak, Co-Chair of the LGBTIQ+ Intergroup.

The ARDI-, Disability- and LGBTIQ+ Intergroups urgently call on the Commission to:
• Reconsider its decision to withdraw the Anti-Discrimination Directive
• Maintain strong dialogue with civil society organizations and stakeholders
• Demonstrate genuine commitment to advancing equality for all Europeans

We will continue to work closely with civil society organizations and other stakeholders to advocate for comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation at the EU level.