Response to the parliamentary question on LGBT issues in European Neighbourhood Policy Progress Reports

The European Commission responded to a question on LGBT issues figuring in European Neighbourhood Policy Progress Reports:

All contributions received from non-governmental organisations or other interested parties, are studied and are taken into account when drafting the reports. While taking full responsibility for the progress reports and their contents, the Commission services base themselves on as wide a range of sources as possible. It is, therefore, very grateful for all written or oral input provided to the process.

However, because of the concise nature of the reports, not all issues are dealt with in detail. In addition, the progress reports are not general reviews of the political or economic situation in the countries as they concern the implementation of the specific objectives set out in the bilaterally negotiated Action Plan.

Apart from political meetings on all levels, the situation of sexual orientation and gender identity minorities is being addressed during the regular dedicated human rights dialogues which the EU has set up with Georgia, Armenia and Moldova, as well as the Subcommittee for Justice, Freedom and Security with Ukraine. As to Azerbaijan, the future EU-Azerbaijan Subcommittee for Justice, Liberty, Security and Human Rights and Democracy will provide the possibility to discuss “Lesbian, gay, bisexual/pansexual, and transgender people” (LGBT) issues within a thematic framework. In all countries mentioned above, activities like public education programmes and the implementation of anti-discrimination and protection measures are eligible for EU support via thematic as well as geographic assistance instruments.