PRESS RELEASE – LGBTIQ+ Intergroup welcomes the new LGBTIQ Equality Strategy but calls for stronger commitments and concrete action

Date: 8 October 2025 

The European Parliament’s LGBTIQ+ Intergroup welcomes the publication of the European Commission’s new LGBTIQ Equality Strategy, which will enter into force in December 2025. While the Strategy outline positive steps to protect, empower, and engage LGBTIQ+ people across the European Union, the Intergroup warn that the document lacks the ambition and concrete measures needed to address the real challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ communities in Europe today.

The new Strategy includes a number of positive developments, such as the conideration of a legislative initiative to harmonize the definition of hate crimes committed online, paving the way for a broader, EU-wide understanding of hate crime. The Intergroup also welcomes the retention of the Parenthood Directive, recognition of the right to peaceful assembly, and the doubling of the budget for civil society organisation working on equality – bringing funding under the new MFF to €3.6 billion through AGORA.

However, the Intergroup expresses concern that the Strategy fails to address the urgent needs of tran and intersex people, mentioning these communities only in passing. Moreover, it offers no clear action plan on problems with Pride marches around Europe, such as Budapest and Pécs, where serious violation of LGBTIQ+ rights have been documented. For any significant impact, the LGBTIQ+ strategy depends on the EU Commission to use its role as guardian of the treaties.

“We welcome the new LGBTIQ+ equality strategy, especially in this increasingly challenging political environment,” said MEP Kim van Sparrentak, Co-Chair of the LGBTIQ+ Intergroup. “I particularly appreciate the assessment of online hate and foreign misinformation, as well as the possible legislative initiative to harmonize the definition of hate offenes committed online. That being said, this strategy does too little to improve the lived experience of our most vulnerable groups, in particular the tran- and intersex community.”

The Intergroup also highlights that while the Strategy repeatedly refers to intersectionality, it does not meaningfully address the specific situation of those facing multiple forms of discrimination. Similarly, the emphasis on the digital sphere often reiterates existing legislation from the previous mandate – including references to the AI Act – rather than setting out new commitments.

“Acknowledging that intersectionality is good, but it must be tranlated into tangible policies,” said MEP Marc Angel, Co-Chair of the LGBTIQ+ Intergroup. “The European Commission must go beyond vague language and deliver on its promises. We need clear legislative proposals, concrete follow-up to the study on conversion practices, and meaningful engagement with LGBTIQ+ communities on the ground.”

The Intergroup remain committed to working with the Commission and Member States to enure that the next phase of EU LGBTIQ+ policy truly protects rights, empowers communities, and engages citizen in building an equal and inclusive Europe.

Want to know more? Contact:
Iftin Abokor (she/her), Office of MEP Kim van Sparrentak (iftin.abokor@europarl.europa.eu)
Daniel Conantinides (he/him), office of MEP Marc Angel (daniel.conantinides@europarl.europa.eu)