21 February 2014

EU policies for diversity management & inclusion

Juan Gonzalez-MellizoEuropean Commission – DG Justice

Eurobarometer 2012 on discrimination

• Discrimination is still considered to be common in the EU Member States: ethnic origin (56%), disability and sexual orientation (46%)

• Lack of awareness of rights and where to go in cases of discrimination.

• The economic crisis is contributing to more discrimination in the labour market, especially for older persons, and is impacting negatively on policies promoting equality and diversity.

• Europeans are very supportive of measures to foster diversity in the workplace and more critical towards what is being done.

Why acting? The business case of diversity

• Ethical, legal reasons

• Higher productivity, higher motivation, reduced absenteeism

• Wider talent base + wider costumer base

• Wider economic benefits at macro level

• Corporate image and reputation

EU Legislation relevant for Diversity Management

Sex

Racial/Ethnic origin

Religion or belief

Disability

Age

Sexual orientation

Gender legislation (13 Directives)

Race Equality Directive: prohibits discrimination in access to employment and beyond

Employment Equality Directive, prohibits discrimination in access to employment, working conditions, vocational guidance and training, membership of organisations

Proposal on increasing Gender Equality in the Boardrooms

Proposal on Disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large companies and groups

Non legislative activities

Support to voluntary initiatives EU Platform of Diversity Charters: 12 National Diversity Charters (AT, BE, DE, EE, ES, FI, FR, IR, IT, LX, PL, SE)Challenges ahead:

- Measurement of benefits of diversity - Enlargement of the platform

Funding - Financial support to national authorities, EU NGOs and other private and public actors • PROGRESS programme (2007-2013)

• Rights, Equality and Citizenship programme (2014-2020)

EU Funding 2014-2020Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme

- Budget: 439,5 M€

- Amongst the objectives: Promote non–discrimination, gender equality and the rights of persons with disabilities

- Types of action: studies, data collection, training, mutual learning, cooperation; awareness-raising

- Funding instruments: action grants, operating grants, procurement

Who can participate?

• All public and private organisations and entities

• Established in EU Member States

• Limited access of third countries: EEA, candidate countries

In practice

• First calls: second quarter of 2014?• Annual Work Programmes will be published

beforehand• Info will be published onhttp://ec.europa.eu/justice/grants/index_en.htm

• More information: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/discrimination/diversity/index_en.htm