Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunities : According to European treaties, two key elements of the general principle of equal opportunities are the ban on discrimination on grounds of nationality (Article 12, TEC; and equal pay for men and women (Article 141, TEC; new Article III-108). They are intended to apply to all fields, particularly economic, social, cultural and family life. The Treaty of Amsterdam, which entered into force in 1999, added a new Article 13 (new Article III-8) to the Treaty, reinforcing the principle of non-discrimination, which is closely linked to equal opportunities. Under this new Article, the Council has the power to take appropriate action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Adopted in December 2000, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union includes a chapter entitled "Equality", which sets out the principles of non-discrimination, equality between men and women, and cultural, religious and linguistic diversity. It also covers the rights of the child, the elderly and persons with disabilities. On the subject of non-discrimination, Article 21 of the Charter states that: "Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited." Equal opportunities are the responsibility of a unit within the Directorate-General for Employment and Social Affairs of the European Commission. Sometimes also known as Action on Employment and Equality for Women, the unit is charged with developing and implementing European Communities policy on women's rights, and also has a duty to ensure that gender equality is taken into account in other policy areas. See: Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; Charter of Fundamental Social Rights of Workers; Citizens' Rights; Equal pay; Equal treatment; Equal treatment for men and women
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