CEMR’s position on Green paper on equality : “The Commission must provide necessary financial resources”
The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has issued its position on the Commission's Green Paper on Equality and non-discrimination in an enlarged European Union, on 1 September 2004.
Promoting equal opportunities has always been one of CEMR's priorities, says CEMR secretary general Jeremy Smith. Discrimination is present at all levels, local, regional, national and international. All studies show that often women earn less than their male colleagues for doing a similar job. Some people, suitably qualified, find it difficult to be recruited because of the colour of their skin or the foreign origins of their name… In this position paper, CEMR suggests measures to be taken by the Commission to put an end to all forms of discrimination in Europe.
Some of the main points of CEMR's position :
– The fight against discrimination must become one of the European Union's priorities
– The European Commission must provide sufficient financial resources to ensure that equality become a reality, not a mere objective.
– Equality between men and women needs specific policies by the Commission, with a separate budget.
– The Commission must ensure that the balance between women and men within the decision making process at levels is a priority.
– Levels of protection for all groups (age, gender, ethnicity…) must be equivalent to avoid uncertainty and resentment.
– Legislative actions are not enough. Equally important are awareness-raising actions, training, and information campaigns…
rn
Climate, Sustainable Finance Officer
