Conference – 25 Years of Equality: Milestones, Challenges, and Horizons

March 24, 2025

Background

The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in the history of equality and non-discrimination in Europe with the 25th anniversary of three landmark equality instruments: Directive 2000/43; Directive 2000/78, and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. These tools have served as cornerstones for promoting equality and tackling discrimination across the European Union.

The legislative and political landscape has evolved since then, with initiatives such as the Pay Transparency Directive, Work-life Balance Directive or the Women on Boards Directive, as well as and, most recently, the Directives on Standards for Equality Bodies. These advancements have expanded legal protections and sought to further institutionalize equality as a core value of the EU following article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union.

Despite this progress, discrimination remains a persistent challenge. Socio-political polarization, increasing extremism, and resistance to equality measures pose significant hurdles. As the newly elected European Commission and Parliament take office, there is a pressing need to reaffirm commitments to equality and develop forward-looking strategies to address both enduring and emerging challenges.

With the support of UNIA, the Belgian Interfederal Centre for Equal Opportunities, this conference provides a platform to reflect on past achievements, critically assess current realities, and explore innovative approaches to advance the EU’s equality agenda in a rapidly changing landscape.

This one-day conference aims to convene key actors in the equality ecosystem to explore these themes, share experiences, and exchange ideas for building a stronger, more inclusive future.

Objectives

Reflect on Progress

Evaluate the impact and evolution of the EU , including Directive 2000/43 and subsequent EU equality legislation.
Highlight the contributions of Equality Bodies in addressing discrimination and promoting equal treatment.

Assess Current Challenges

Identify barriers to implementing equality legislation effectively in a polarized environment.
Identify new challenges to equality
Explore the role of Equality Bodies in tackling discrimination in new and emerging contexts.

Shape the Future of Equality in the EU

Discuss strategies to strengthen anti-discrimination frameworks and equality policies and their implementation.
Generate actionable recommendations for the new EU legislative period (2024–2029).

Foster Collaboration and Solidarity

Promote exchange between Equality Bodies, EU institutions, and equality stakeholders.
Strengthen alliances to defend and advance equality in the face of resistance.

Participants

The target audience of this conference is

National Equality Bodies: Representatives and experts from member organizations.
European and National Institutional Actors: Members of the European Commission, European Parliament, and Council, relevant EU Agencies.
Equality Stakeholders: Civil society organizations, researchers, and advocates active in the equality and non-discrimination field.

Preliminary Agenda

09:00 – 09:10 Welcome words

Patrick Charlier, Chair of the Equinet Executive Board and Director of Unia (Belgium)

09:10 – 09:40 Keynote Speech

The Keynote speech will share a reflection of the last 25 years and the achievements and missed opportunities regarding Equality and non-discrimination law and policy during this time, among others, the designation of Equality Bodies in all EU MS or the creation of Equinet.

Sandra Fredman, University of Oxford

09:40 – 09:50 A Transatlatic perspective

Philippe-André Tessier, Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse, Québec, Canada

09:50 – 11:05 Past and Present Milestones in equality

This session will discuss major milestones in the field of equality in the past 25 years, to draw some lessons and inspiration from them. Panellists will be asked to reflect on why and how we managed to score those victories and what strategies and actions they think can be replicated for the future.

Catherine Naughton, European Disability Forum
MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen (online)
Ian Feldman, Equality Council, Moldova
Sarah Cooke O’Dowd, European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE)
Tena Šimonović Einwalter, European Commission against Racism and Intolerance of the Council of Europe and Croatian Ombudswoman

11:05 – 11:35 Coffee break

11:35 – 13:00 Current challenges and ways forward for an equal Europe

This session will discuss the remaining and emerging challenges in the field of equality. Panellists will be asked to reflect on strategies and actions to solve these challenges and to draw up their vision for an equal Europe. The session will use an interactive methodology to involve the audience.

Andreas Accardo, EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)
MEP Alice Bah Kuhnke
Ferda Ataman, Federal Antidiscrimination Agency, Germany
Delphine Moralis, Philea (Philanthropy Europe Association)
Ragna Fidjestøl, EEA and Norway Grants Financial Mechanism Office

13:00 – 14:30 Networking Lunch

14:30 – 15:30 Forum on the Future of Equality

This forum will provide a space for participants to discuss, together with panelists, their key questions and proposals regarding the future work in the area of Equality and non-discrimination.

Nyanchama Okemwa, European Network Against Racism (ENAR)
Rainer Hiltunen, Ombudsman for Equality, Finland
Katarzyna Szkuta, Permanent Representation of Poland to the EU

15:30 – 16:00 Closing Keynote and final words

Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management
Patrick Charlier, Chair of the Equinet Executive Board and Director of Unia (Belgium)

16:00 – 17:00 Reception

Opening by Claire Hédon, Defender of Rights, France

For further information, please contact Jone Elizondo-Urrestarazu (jone.elizondo@equineteurope.org) and and Tamás Kádár (tamas.kadar@equineteurope.org).