MEMO/07/24

Brussels, 23^rd January 2007

[Graphic in PDF & Word format]

European year of Equal Opportunities for All –Eurobarometer on Discrimination

Are Europeans concerned about discrimination and do they feel that they, or sections of society, are discriminated against?

Today's Eurobarometer survey shows that a large proportion of Europeans are of the opinion that discrimination is widespread in their country (64%). On average 51 % of Europeans think that not enough effort is being made in their country to fight discrimination and they would like to see this change.

At the same time, the survey highlights that awareness of the existence of anti-discrimination laws in the EU remains quite low. Disability is the only type of discrimination which more than half of the European public knows is prohibited by law when hiring employees. The public is least aware of legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age (31%) and sexual orientation (30%). Only one third of European Union citizens (32%) know their rights should they become a victim of discrimination or harassment.

What do Europeans think are the main areas for discrimination?

According to today's survey, discrimination based on ethnic origin is felt to be the most widespread (almost 2 Europeans out of 3, or 64%; however, results vary widely between countries). Around one in two Europeans considers discrimination based on disability and sexual orientation to be widespread. Discrimination on the basis of age (46%), religion or beliefs (44%) and gender (40%) are also felt to occur, albeit at to slightly lesser extent.

A broad majority of European citizens believe that being disabled (79%), being a Roma (77%), being over 50 (69%) or having a different ethnic origin (62%) is a disadvantage in their society. Iin all but four Member States, a majority of citizens find that people of a different ethnic origin than the rest of the population enrich the national culture.

What is the aim of the European Year for Equal Opportunities for All?

The aim of the Year is to inform citizens of their right to non-discrimination and equal treatment, to promote equal opportunities for all and to celebrate the benefits of diversity. The focus will be Rights, Representation, Recognition and Respect:

Rights – Raising awareness of the right to equality and non-discrimination and of the problem of multiple discrimination. The Year will make groups that are at risk of discrimination more aware of their rights and existing European legislation in the field of non-discrimination.

Representation – The Year will encourage reflection and discussion on the need to promote greater participation of these groups in society, and greater involvement in actions designed to combat discrimination, in all sectors and at all levels.

Recognition – The Year will emphasise the positive contribution that people, irrespective of their sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, can make to society as a whole, in particular by accentuating the benefits of diversity.

Respect – The Year will raise awareness of the importance of eliminating stereotypes, prejudice and violence, promoting good relations between all in society, especially among young people, and disseminating the values underlying the fight against discrimination.

What will concretely happen during the Year?

The Year will kick off in Berlin on January 30^th 2007 at the first ever European Equality summit. One of the main initiatives of the Year, it will bring together EU leaders, Equality Ministers and senior Representatives of civil society. Overall the Year will provide a unique opportunity for people to learn about, exchanges ideas and debate the issue of diversity. The campaign will be highly decentralised and hundreds of events will be organised at local, regional, national, cross-border and European level. Because of the Year's decentralised approach activities will continue beyond the EYEO, creating a lasting impact on the ground.

Activities during the Year include: diversity awards for employers, school competitions on the themes of respect and tolerance, training for media and trade unions on issues relating to anti-discrimination, sports events organised around the them of diversity. For examples of proposed projects per country, see table below.

What are the possible outcomes of the Year?

A Year is by definition only made up of 12 months, but the idea of the Year is to put diversity – which is a fact of life in Europe – on the agenda of all the participating countries in 2007. This will have long-lasting effects beyond 2007 itself. To ensure this happens, the good ideas and successful results generated during the Year will be taken up and continued under the new EU employment and social solidarity programme called PROGRESS – to fund EU activities in anti-discrimination and gender equality and among others from 2007 until 2013.

Which countries will participate in the Year?

The Year is open to the 27 EU Member States, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

What is the budget of the Year?

The whole budget for the Year amounts to €15 million, covering activities at EU level on the one hand and at national, regional and local levels on the other. €7.65 million will be allocated to activities at these national, regional and local levels. As each participating country will have to match the share it receives from the EU funding with 50% of co-financing from either public or private sources, or both. Approx €16 million is expected to be spent be spent on activities at national level. The share of funding per country will divided in line with the number of votes at the Council.

Bigger countries will receive in and around €600,000 and the smaller Member States are set to receive around €120,000. €5 million will be dedicated to the pan-European information campaign. For details per country see table below.

Who decides on the activities for the Year?

European-wide programmes and activities are set up by the European Commission. Activities at national level are identified by the National Implementing Bodies (NIBs) which have been designated by the participating countries. NIBs will be the administrative authorities or equivalent, with competence and proven experience in the fight against discrimination.

What are the tasks of the National Implementing Bodies?

The NIBs are responsible for defining their respective national strategies and priorities for the Year, and for identifying the individual activities to be implemented to meet the objectives of these national strategies. In carrying out their tasks, NIBs must consult on a regular basis and cooperate closely with civil society. These include organisations defending or representing the interests of people potentially exposed to discrimination, and with other relevant stakeholders.

How will the European-wide Information and Promotional Campaign work?

The EYEO European-wide information and promotional campaign is designed to communicate and engage with the public in all MS. It aims to achieve social change: one of the campaign’s main objectives is to promote diversity as an asset. The campaign, underway in all Member States, also aims to make people in the European Union more aware of their rights to enjoy equal treatment and a life free of discrimination. The campaign will bring the Year’s messages to a wider audience.

Where can I find the programme and funding details of activities for each country?

See table below.