In the last five years the EU has taken some steps to reduce discrimination and promote the positive benefits of diversity. New legislation has been introduced, including the Employment Equality Directive and the Racial Equality Directive.
It has also set up a Community Action Programme to combat discrimination, which supports projects and activities and raises awareness of discrimination issues.
But despite these measures there is evidence that some forms of discrimination are on the increase and that EU minimum standards have not been fully implemented and enforced in some Member States.
The Commission has therefore adopted a Green Paper, entitled "Equality and non-discrimination in an enlarged EU", setting out the steps already taken to ban discrimination. The Green Paper identifies areas where further action is necessary, and suggests a range of practical measures that could support the efforts of national authorities, civil society and other stakeholders.
The Commission also wishes to take soundings from stakeholders and the general public as to the best way to move forward, and is inviting comments on the Green Paper through an attached questionnaire.
The consultation, which is available on-line, will be open until 31st August.