European Commission’s new Social Agenda package draws on MPG work

The European Commission's new Social Agenda package released on 2 July refers to Migration Policy Group publications and the work of networks initiated by MPG, particularly the European Network of Equality Bodies (now an independent organisation called Equinet) and the European network of independent legal experts in the non-discrimination field.

The proposal for a Council Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation refers to a mapping and impact study carried out by MPG and HEC on national measures to combat discrimination outside employment and occupation, and to the work and publications of the Legal network, run and managed by MPG and HEC, specifically the Developing Anti-discrimination Law in Europe  overview.  The Legal Network provides independent information and advice on the implementation of the Article 13 anti-discrimination Directives in all 25 Member States.

The accompanying Commission Communication: 'Non-discrimination and equal opportunities: A renewed commitment' also makes use of the Legal Network's publications, citing the thematic reports entitled Measuring Discrimination: Data collection and EU Equality law and Beyond Formal Equality: Positive action under Directives 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC.

In addition, the communication recognises the work of the European Network of Equality Bodies (Equinet), a network developing cooperation and facilitating information exchange between equality bodies across Europe.  Set up by MPG, the organisation became fully independent in 2007.