Joint Statement on the new Commissioner in charge of Equality

We, the undersigned, welcome the EU’s renewed commitment to the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy post-2025, especially the much-needed ban on conversion therapy, the new Gender Equality Strategy and the new Anti-Racism Strategy. We are happy that the EU will continue to work on the implementation of the EU Strategic Framework for Roma equality, inclusion and participation, as well as the implementation of the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

However, we must stress that in order to advance gender equality and the protection of the fundamental rights of LGBTIQ+ people, women, people with disabilities and people affected by racism, sexism, ageism and discrimination on the basis of religion or belief we need a commissioner’s portfolio with strong dedication to equality and justice. We regret that, in time when the far-right is on the rise and minority rights are constantly put in danger, the new Commissioner-designate Hadja Lahbib’s portfolio is not related to justice and the rule of law.

Themission letter fails to grant the Commissioner-designate a broad mandate to lead the fight against structural and intersectional discrimination or to advance anti-discrimination legislation. The letter also fails to underpin these objectives with the necessary Commission services as it only refers to the Equality Taskforce. Given the inexplicable absence of DG JUST and DG EMPL from the Mission Letter—departments that oversee the EU Anti-Racism Coordinator and the units responsible for the Union of Equality—we seek clarification from the Commission on how the Equality portfolio will be implemented structurally and practically.

We also strongly believe that a genuine commitment to equality should include recruiting people of diverse backgrounds beyond ensuring gender and geographical balance, including within the Commissioner’s cabinet.

We urge President Ursula von der Leyen to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to the Union of Equality and equip the Commissioner with the resources and capacity needed to fulfil this role effectively.

Signatures:

The European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBTIQ+ rights

The European Parliament’s Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup

AGE Platform Europe

Avocats Sans Frontières

DiasporaVote!

Equinox Initiative for Racial Justice

Eurocentralasian Lesbian* Community – EL*C

Eurochild

European Anti-Poverty Network

European Civic Forum

European Disability Forum

European Network Against Racism – ENAR

European Pride Business Network – EPBN

European Public Health Alliance

European Roma Grassroots Organisations (ERGO) Network

European Roma Rights Centre

Forbidden Colours

IGLYO

ILGA-Europe

IPPF EN

Phiren Amenca International Network

Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants – PICUM

Transgender Europe – TGEU

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