The European Union is founded on the values of respect for equality and human rights according to Article 2 of the Treaty on the European Union. The statement of First Vice-President Timmermans is fully in line with these values as his message promotes tolerance and non-discrimination in the European Union. Moreover, the statement should be seen in its precise context. In the speech passage in question, Mr Timmermans was referring to the problems that same-sex couples encounter when moving to another country within the EU.

Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity remains widespread in the EU. The Commission has stressed on many occasions its strong commitment to combat all forms of discrimination, including against same-sex couples and LGBTI[1] individuals, within the powers conferred to it by the Treaties and in full respect of the subsidiarity principle.

The Commission follows rigorously the procedures and mechanisms foreseen in the Treaties when proposing legislation on the adoption of which the Council ultimately decides.

The Commission is also impartial and fair when providing financial support. All funding programmes are adopted by the European Parliament and the Council through regulations and implemented by the Commission accordingly through competitive procedures and open calls for proposals.

• [1] Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex.