Mental Health Europe reaction – withdrawal of Equal Treatment Directive

Mental Health Europe is alarmed by the European Commission decision to withdraw the Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive, as outlined in the 2025 Work Programme priorities. This long-standing proposal, blocked in the Council of the EU since 2008, was intended to ensure equal treatment beyond the field of employment for persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation. At a time when discrimination, inequality, and mental health problems are increasingly prominent, the withdrawal of such an imperative directive represents a significant setback in the EU efforts to promote and protect human rights, inclusion, and social rights across the European Union. This decision is also at odds with the efforts of the Belgian Presidency last year and the priorities of the current Polish Presidency to achieve a compromise and adopt the draft directive.

Why this decision impacts us all

Although the proposed Directive has been blocked in the Council of the EU since 2008, the decision to scrap it without offering a robust and streamlined legislative proposal directly undermines efforts to build a mentally healthy and equal society. Discrimination in all its forms has profound consequences on mental health, as underscored in our recent report tilted The mental health impacts of racial discrimination. Without robust legal protections against discrimination, this can result in wider repercussions on society at large, such as increased discrimination and consequently an upsurge in mental health problems. It can also create greater barriers to accessing necessary support and essential services that prevent mental health problems and improve well-being. Discriminatory and exclusionary behaviours and systems negatively impact mental health which in the long term will lead to more pressures and demands on services and society.

Our recommendations

Mental Health Europe stands in solidarity with all affected groups and reaffirm our dedication to an inclusive, fair, and mentally healthy society. We echo the calls of civil society organisations, equality bodies, and other stakeholders who have continuously advocated for comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation. The European Union must uphold its responsibility to protect fundamental rights and take decisive action against discrimination in all its forms.

The EU must position itself as a global leader in promoting human rights and social cohesion. Mental Health Europe calls on the European Commission to clarify what prompted its decision to withdraw the Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive in its work programme, despite evidential support for the proposal by diverse stakeholders. Without delay, the Commission must reconsider this decision and reinstate the proposal for the Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive as a priority, or put forward an alternative comprehensive and intersectional proposal, in line with fundamental EU values and fit for a ‘A Union of Equality’.

Protecting our democracy and upholding values should not be up for debate.