Key Strategies
It is important to note that the EU has so far failed to adopt a specific action plan or strategies addressing issues faced by older people.
EU Equality Strategies
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.
Standards for equality bodies
In May 2024, the EU adopted new Directives on standards for equality bodies, strengthening their independence and effectiveness.
Equality bodies are public institutions that promote and defend equal treatment, assisting victims of discrimination, conducting research, issuing recommendations, and preventing discrimination. Persons with disabilities can contact equality bodies when they face discrimination based on disability or other protected grounds.
The new laws will:
- Ensure accessible and inclusive services from equality bodies, including complaint handling and assistance to victims.
- Require reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities across all equality body activities.
- Strengthen equality bodies’ independence and resources, allowing them to act effectively and without external pressure.
- Empower equality bodies to proactively promote equality and advise public institutions on anti-discrimination measures.
EU countries have until the 19 June 2026 to transpose these directives into national law.