2007 to be ‘European Year of Equal Opportunities for All’ 
The European Commission has
designated 2007 as 'European Year of Equal Opportunities for All' as part of a
concerted effort to promote equality and non-discrimination in the EU. The
European Year is the centrepiece of a framework strategy designed to ensure
that discrimination is effectively tackled, diversity is celebrated and equal
opportunities for all are promoted. The strategy is set out in a Communication
adopted by the European Commission today.
The four core themes of the European Year proposed by the Commission are:
- Rights – raising awareness of the right to
equality and non-discrimination;
- Representation – stimulating a debate on ways to
increase the participation of under-represented groups in society;
- Recognition – celebrating and accommodating
diversity;
- Respect and tolerance – promoting a more
cohesive society.
The Year's proposed budget of €13.6 million will cover preparatory actions in
2006 as well as the various activities taking place during the European Year
itself in 2007.
In addition to the European Year, new initiatives announced by the
Communication include:
- A feasibility study to look at possible new
measures to complement existing EC anti-discrimination legislation;
- The creation of a high-level advisory group to
look at the social and labour market integration of minorities, including
the Roma.
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/fundamental_rights/news/news_en.htm