Source: European Parliament
In preparing the first work programme of the mandate, the Commission has thoroughly assessed all proposals currently pending with the co-legislators.
In its assessment, the Commission took into account whether proposals were actively being considered and agreement could be reached or, on the contrary, blocked for a very long time and/or have any real perspective of progress.
As a result of this assessment, the Commission put forward a list of 37 proposals it intends to withdraw. This includes the proposal for a Council Directive on equal treatment[1] presented 17 years ago, in 2008.
In line with the interinstitutional agreement on better law making, the Commission will take due account of the positions of the Council and of the European Parliament before deciding on withdrawal of the proposals.
While a majority of the Member States have indicated their support to the proposal, some of them have expressed concerns related to potential implementation costs and administrative impact, the respect of the subsidiarity principle and legal certainty.
The Commission has consistently supported the Council Presidencies and the Member States to help them in making progress towards the adoption of the Council Directive.
Building an EU of equality remains a key priority for the Commission, as demonstrated by the recent adoption of the Roadmap for Women’s Rights[2] and the preparation of new strategies on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer equality, anti-racism and gender equality.