Today, MPG's director, Isabelle Chopin, addressed the MEPs of the LIBE Committee in a workshop session "The EU as a Union of Equality?".
In her intervention, she pointed out key issues that have been observed by the European Network of Legal Experts in the field of gender equality and non-discrimination, of which she is the Specialist Coordinator in Non-Discrimination Law.
“We welcome the work and actions taken by the European Commission. A lot has been achieved, the situation has changed drastically over the past 30 years, and I am very happy to have been part of this journey for all these years, but I am afraid I am going to focus on the gaps and the problematic areas, without indeed undermining all the progress that has been made since 2000.”
“In theory the two non-discrimination directives are well transposed, and the vast majority of Member States provide further protection on the national level even if some issues regarding interpretation and definition still remain to be clarified. The practice though remains sometimes difficult and the vast majority of experts highlight as the main problematic areas: the lack of case law, sometimes still the lack of knowledge, understanding and awareness regarding anti-discrimination law, access to justice and the inadequate sanctions.”
“How could a legislation be properly implemented if victims have difficulties in accessing justice? This is translated by the lack of awareness (training seems to be necessary for the judiciary, lawyers, police…etc.), the length of judicial proceedings, the scarce or non-existent legal aid and assistance to victims, the legal costs, the difficult legal standing for organisations, the functioning of Equality Bodies and more important the fact that sanctions are not as required by both Directives proportionate, effective and dissuasive.”
Rewatch her address and find publications from the European Network of Legal Experts in the field of gender equality and non-discrimination here: https://bit.ly/49X4jUI
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