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Equality and inclusion

What the EU does

A truly inclusive society values every individual and helps them reach their full potential. This is why the European Commission is working to promote equality for all. Important progress has already been made through key initiatives, such as the LGBTIQ equality strategy (2020-2025), the gender equality strategy (2020-2025) and the EU anti-racism action plan (2020-2025). 

In autumn 2025, the Commission proposed the new LGBTIQ+ equality strategy (2026–2030), building on the achievements of the first strategy. The new strategy combats hatred and discrimination, and promotes freedom, equality, and diversity within the EU and around the world.

In 2026, the Commission also presented the new anti-racism strategy (2026-2030). This initiative should strengthen the implementation of existing anti-discrimination laws, and tackle barriers and bias in key areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and housing.

Other key initiatives, such as the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities (2021-2030), in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the EU strategic framework for Roma equality, inclusion, and participation (2020-2030), are also helping to build a fairer, more equal society.

However, many people still experience inequality and face barriers to their inclusion in society. The EU is committed to ensuring that everyone – regardless of who they are - can access their rights, grow, and succeed. Moving forward, the EU will 

  • launch a new gender equality strategy and support women’s rights
  • ensure the full implementation of the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities
  • continue the implementation of the EU strategic framework for Roma equality, inclusion, and participation

By strengthening these efforts, the EU is working towards a more inclusive and equal future for all.

Key figures

5.6 million women entered the labour market between 2020 and 2024
69% of EU citizens support equal rights for LGBTIQ people
Over 90 million persons with disabilities benefit from initiatives under the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities

Areas of action

Gender equality

Learn how the EU supports equal opportunities, and advances rights for everyone

LGBTIQ equality

Discover how the EU respects, protects and fulfils the fundamental rights of LGBTIQ people

Key achievements

  • The Equal Pay Directive addresses the gender pay gap by ensuring that women and men are paid equally for equal work. This affects citizens daily, particularly women in the workforce, by promoting fair pay and reducing income inequality.
  • To support a better work-life balance, the EU introduced new rules on parental leave, flexible working hours, and the right to request changes to working patterns. It makes a significant difference for parents and caregivers, promoting gender equality at home and at work, and making it easier for families to balance work and caregiving responsibilities.
  • The EU’s first-ever LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 has stepped up EU action to protect LGBTIQ people, by strengthening support to LGBTIQ civil society organisations, and by enhancing cooperation between Member States.
  • The EU became a party to the Istanbul Convention, the benchmark for international standards in preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.
  • To make travel easier, the EU introduced the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities. The cards will improve the access to services, including parking facilities, of persons with disabilities when traveling across European borders.
  • The European Accessibility Act is now applied across EU countries. It requires key products and services such as phones, computers, e-books, banking services and electronic communications to be accessible for persons with disabilities. This will help increase active participation in society, including in education and in employment, as well as more autonomy and mobility opportunities for people with disabilities. If businesses do not respect the new rules, consumers can take action before national authorities.
  • Through the Diversity Charters, the EU works with companies, public institutions, nonprofit organisations and local authorities to fight discrimination and promote more equal, diverse and inclusive workplaces.
  • Every May, the EU celebrates the Diversity Month, raising awareness and showcasing efforts to help build equal and inclusive environments.
  • The European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award recognises towns, cities and regions that are leading the way in creating more inclusive, discrimination–free communities.
  • Since 2010, the Access City Award recognises the EU cities that are making outstanding efforts to become accessible for persons with disabilities.

In focus

New anti-racism strategy

In January 2026, the European Commission set out a new anti-racism strategy for 2026-20230. Building on the previous 5-year action plan, the new strategy will tackle racism in all its forms by ensuring the full implementation of existing EU anti-discrimination laws, and by tackling barriers and fostering inclusion in education, employment, healthcare, and housing. It will also foster anti-racism partnerships at all levels of society.

Read more

Related links

This page was last updated on 23 January 2026