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.