§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice has been given to applicant countries with EU candidacy status about the need to have institutions charged with promoting awareness about equal opportunities which are empowered to seek aid and assistance and to enforce rights consistent with European Union norms; and if he will make a statement. [130661]
§ Mr. VazBefore negotiations for accession can begin, the EU requires that applicant states achieve stability of institutions guaranteeing human rights and respect for and protection of minorities.
Article 13 of the Treaty of Rome requires member states to take action on discrimination whether based on sex, racial origin, religious belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The issue of discrimination is a prominent part of the Social Policy and Employment acquis of the EU. Applicant states are expected to implement the acquis and treaty obligations by accession. The Commission monitors applicant states implementation of these requirements in its annual progress reports and makes specific recommendations to each applicant.
The EU currently operates a programme on equal opportunities for men and women. This programme is open to all applicant states and has a budget of 30 million euro. The Community is to adopt an action programme to combat discrimination based on race, sex, religious belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. This programme will be open to applicant states. It will have a budget of 98 million euro. The programme objectives include improving the understanding of discrimination and developing the capacity of applicant states to address it.
Separately, the Home Office meets regularly with Government officials from applicant states to discuss race equality matters. This includes advice on the function of the Commission for Racial Equality.