By Martin Banks - 23rd January 2007
MEPs have welcomed the launch today of the European year of equal opportunities.
The year, unveiled in Brussels by EU employment commissioner Vladimir Spidla, aims to raise awareness of discrimination against EU citizens on grounds of gender, age, disability, religion or ethnic origin.
UK socialist MEP Richard Howitt, president of parliament’s disability intergroup, said he hopes the initiative will “give ownership of the year to the vulnerable groups that are most commonly discriminated against”.
His comments were echoed by German socialist Lissy Groner, co-rapporteur on parliament’s report on the European institute for gender equality.
She said: “It is essential that all policies of the EU take into consideration that discrimination based on age, disability, religion or belief, rate and sexual orientation continue to exist.”
The year was also welcomed by British deputy Michael Cashman, a member of parliament’s civil liberties, justice and home affairs committee, commented: “We must not make the mistake of resting on our laurels.
“Some of the basic misconceptions surrounding what it is to be gay, lesbian or bisexual are still commonplace.”
Liz Lynne, a UK Liberal MEP and member of the assembly’s employment and social affairs committee, said: “I hope the series of events planned by the commission will highlight the need to mainstream age-related issues throughout all areas of EU policy.”
All four MEPs were writing in the Parliament magazine.
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