Study - Proposal for a horizontal equal treatment directive: Complementary impact assessment - 13-11-2025
This study provides a complementary impact assessment of the proposed Council directive on equal treatment outside of employment on the grounds of religion or belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation. It covers all EU Member States. Moreover, it includes five case studies: Czechia, Germany, Italy, Romania and Sweden. It reviews the necessity of the proposed EU initiative and its added value, considering subsidiarity and proportionality. The study analyses the coherence of the proposed directive with existing and future frameworks and its likely effectiveness in achieving the objectives of increased protection and inclusion, and combating discrimination. It also assesses the proposal's likely costs and benefits. The findings suggest that the proposed directive responds to the need for EU action and complies with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. It is coherent with the existing legal and policy framework and would significantly strengthen fundamental rights and close the protection gap against discrimination. The proposed directive is expected to generate limited costs, mainly relating to reasonable accommodation in education, while delivering significant social and economic benefits, notably through improved access to goods and services.
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP