Equality and non-discrimination are fundamental principles of human rights. They are an indivisible part of international and European human rights law and are an obligation for the European Union and its Member States. 

Despite these commitments, persons with disabilities still face discrimination every day in Europe, from segregated education and lack of employment opportunities to physical, social and digital barriers that exclude them from participating fully in society.  

Equality and non-discrimination are a top priority for EDF. We advocate for laws and policies that protect the rights of persons with disabilities in every area of life. 

Read our 2019 Human Rights Report on Equality and Non Discrimination.

The first major step towards EU anti-discrimination legislation came in 1997, when EU governments introduced Article 13 into the EU Treaties, providing the legal basis for all EU non-discrimination laws. This article is now Article 19 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the Union.  

Article 19 (ex Article 13 TEC)

Without prejudice to the other provisions of the Treaties and within the limits of the powers conferred by them upon the Union, the Council, acting unanimously in accordance with a special legislative procedure and after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament, may take appropriate action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.’

Based on this article, the EU has prohibited discrimination on the grounds of sex and race across all areas through the adoption of various laws.  

Discrimination on the grounds of disability, however, is only prohibited in the fields of employment and vocational training. 

Equal Treatment in Employment and Vocational Training 

In 2000, the EU adopted the Equal Treatment Directive in Employment and Occupation, which protects persons with disabilities against discrimination in employment, vocational training, and occupation. EDF closely monitors its implementation and continues to push for stronger enforcement so that persons with disabilities can work and train on an equal basis with others. 

Since its transposition into national law, the Directive’s impact on protecting the rights of persons with disabilities has been evaluated in a 2021 report by the European Parliament. Article 5 on the right to reasonable accommodation was also clarified in 2024 by guidelines from the European Commission on reasonable accommodation at work. 

The Proposed Equal Treatment Directive 

In 2008, the European Commission proposed a new Equal Treatment Directive to extend protection against discrimination based on disability, age, religion or belief, and sexual orientation beyond employment, including education, access to goods and services, and social protection. 

This directive has been blocked in the Council of the EU since 2008, and EDF continues to work with civil society networks to advocate for its adoption. We call on all EU governments to show leadership and adopt the Equal Treatment Directive without delay. 

More information:

• Good news on Equal Treatment Directive: Commission reverses decision to withdraw (July, 2025)  
• Equal Treatment Directive: governments must find agreement before it’s too late(May 2025)  

Download our template letter to call your government to unblock the directive.

The European Union has developed several strategies to promote equality and combat discrimination, addressing different marginalised groups. These strategies guide EU policy, legislation, and funding priorities, ensuring that equality remainscentral across all sectors of society.