MEPs debate proposed withdrawal of Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive

During a debate in the Civil Liberties Committee (LIBE) with Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for equality, preparedness and crisis management, MEPs raised the issue of the possible withdrawal of the Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive. Lahbib reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to equality but noted that, under Article 19 the EU Treaty (TFEU), Council unanimity remains a requirement for the adoption of the draft law. She emphasised that the Commission is awaiting formal written reactions from both the European Parliament and the Council before making a final decision on the withdrawal. In their replies, a clear majority of MEPs expressed strong opposition to the withdrawal. They called on the Commission to continue efforts to reach a compromise and highlighted the directive’s importance in closing existing legislative gaps. MEPs also urged the Commission to clarify what further steps from Parliament would be needed to reconsider its intention. The Commissioner confirmed that no final decision would be made before August 2025. The directive remains on the list of potential withdrawals in the Commission’s current work programme, pending further developments, she added. You can watch the recording of the debate here. Background The proposal on the Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive, tabled in 2008 to extend EU rules on protection against discrimination beyond employment to areas, to areas such as social protection, education, and access to goods and services,...