Monitoring the work of the European Union

 

We monitor the work of the European Union mostly by examining the legislative work of the European Parliament, and making sure that LGBTI issues are included in the various reports, amendments and resolutions the Parliament works on. (See Parliamentary work)

We also regularly remind the European Commission of problematic LGBTI issues, and how they should be dealt with.

Finally, the Intergroup follows relevant EU Court of Justice and European Court of Human Rights decisions, as well as relevant reports issued by the Fundamental Rights Agency.

Monitoring the rights of LGBTI people

 

Beyond examining the work done by European institutions in Brussels, Luxembourg, Strasbourg and Vienna, we also examine the everyday situation for LGBTI people in EU Member States and beyond. We take an active part in promoting the human rights of LGBTI people, especially through reminding Member States and their authorities of their human rights obligations under the Lisbon Treaty, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, or the European Convention on Human Rights (for example with Lithuania’s controversial Law on the Protection of Minors).

The Intergroup also regularly reminds other countries of their duty to protect LGBTI people’s rights, such as in EU candidate countries, countries in the European Neighbourhood Policy or third countries.

Liaising with civil society

 

 

Finally, we also act as a bridge between civil society groups and European institutions, relaying their concerns at the European level. We regularly meet with non-governmental organisations based in Brussels, and with organisations and human rights activists based in Europe and the world when possible.

The expertise of non-governmental organisations is essential to the work of the Intergroup. We aim to listen to their concerns and their priorities, as they reflect the situation lived by millions in Europe and in the world.