After months of lobbying by MEP Maria Walsh, the European Commission has reversed its decision to remove a key EU equality law and will reinstate it as a 2025 policy priority.
MEP Walsh is the lead negotiator for the EPP, the European Parliament’s largest political group, on the Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive.
Following a decision by the European Commission to withdraw the Directive earlier this year, MEP Walsh led efforts to advocate for its reinstatement. After months of lobbying, President Ursula von der Leyen announced this week that the legislation has been added back to the Commission’s 2025 Work Programme Priorities.
MEP Maria Walsh, member of the Justice & Home Affairs (LIBE) Committee, said:
“The initial decision to withdraw this legislation came as a complete surprise to MEPs. It is arguably the most important piece of European legislation to ensure true equality and transform the lives of vulnerable people across Ireland and the EU.
“The Commission’s decision to add the anti-discrimination legislation back onto its 2025 priorities list, however, is not a surprise. It is a result of months of hard work from myself and fellow negotiators. I am happy to say that it represents a step in the right direction by the Commission; a step towards fairness and equity for all. Equality is back on the table for EU citizens.
“The final hurdle is now within the Council of the EU where consensus must be reached across all 27 countries to adopt the directive. Support for this legislation has never been greater; Denmark, who currently holds the Presidency of the Council, has already prioritised it for negotiations later this year.
“We must focus on the many practical and meaningful applications of this legislation. For example, once passed, public buildings and transport would be required to be accessible for all, including those with disabilities.
“It is now time to move from legislation to implementation. The responsibility is on national governments and I will ensure this remains a priority for Irish Ministers representing us at Council level.”
