Anti-discrimination directive (COM(2008)0426)

12.1.2009

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0150/09
by Silvana Koch-Mehrin (ALDE)
to the Commission

Many people associate remoteness from the citizen and red tape with the European Union. The Commission has set itself the goal of reducing red tape. Existing laws are being examined and, if necessary, repealed to alleviate the burden on companies and citizens. What applies to existing laws, however, should also apply to new proposals. For example, the Commission has proposed a directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation (COM(2008)0426), hereinafter referred to as the ‘anti‑discrimination directive’.

Has the Commission carried out an assessment of what financial effects and economic costs are associated with the anti‑discrimination directive? If so, what are the results of the assessment? If not, why has no assessment been made?

Has the Commission carried out an assessment of the degree and type of administrative burden (‘red tape costs’) which the anti ‑discrimination directive entails for Member States and companies? If so, what are the result of the assessment? If not, why has no assessment been made?

What are the Commission's reasons for maintaining that only Community‑wide measures can ensure a minimum standard of protection against discrimination in all of the Member States?

What reasons does the Commission give for requiring, under Article 11 of the anti‑discrimination directive, that non‑governmental organisations in particular should be involved in dialogue?

OJ C 189, 13/07/2010