Today, core European values such as freedom and equality are challenged in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. As EPPride – the LGBTIQ+ network of the EPP – we work with minority rights and, we feel and take notice of these changes daily.
Even though we have seen that tolerance for diversity has grown in various ways in the past decades, and many European countries have improved the legal situation for LGBTIQ+ persons, there are several worrying trends around. We celebrate the steps taken in the past years by countries such as Greece, Latvia and Estonia. But we need to address the mounting problems.
The climate has become increasingly confrontational – not only toward the LGBTIQ+ community but also toward other minorities. We see this clearly in Hungary where the development is spiralling with attempts to narrow the space for the LGBTIQ+ community to next to nothing. Similar steps are being taken in Slovakia, and there are concerning trends in Bulgaria and Romania. In Poland where the EPP-led government signals a shift towards increased tolerance and diversity, the newly elected president raises serious concerns. With elections in other countries this fall where right-wing and populist parties target the LGBTIQ+ community, dark clouds are gathering.
Globally, we observe how the U.S. administration undermines shared values and basic rights – not only domestically but also on the international stage. And of course, the persistent attacks on these values from Russia and its allies continue to pose a serious threat. This effects policies in Europe, both in EU member states and in countries aspiring to join the EU, such as Serbia and Georgia.
We need to put an end to this, stand firm, and raise a voice saying this is enough. The LGBTIQ+ community is not a scape goat, and not an enemy to European values. In fact, diversity, tolerance and inclusion – safeguarding minority rights – are true European values. There can be no tolerance for intolerance.
We are therefore encouraged by the commitments made by the EU Commission and President Ursula von der Leyen who in her mission letters, to the commissioners stated her support for these values and pointed out the course forward including to deliver:
- A renewed LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy
- Strengthened efforts to combat hate crimes and hate-related violence across Europe
- A commitment to banning conversion therapy practices
Let these policies be the guiding line across Europe. Let us focus on inclusion and making sure that the European Union is a safe space for LGBTIQ+ persons.
We are also pleased that EPP in the presidency’s resolution on EPP’s path forward, adopted at the latest Congress in Valencia, confirmed that our values are based on respect for each individual and human rights for all. The resolution clearly stated that diversity and equal opportunities for all are integral parts of our common European way of life. These are important confirmations that we as a political family, even in uncertain times, stand firmly behind our values and will include and defend minorities and vulnerable groups.
Based on this and to move forward positively, achieve inclusion and fight discrimination, two fundamental principles must guide the work of the EU in this field the coming years:
- EU is a union of values, where respect for and protection of human rights – including LGBTIQ+ rights – must be non-negotiable. This applies both to current member states, and to new countries in discussions on future enlargement as a basic criterion for membership.
- EU must firmly reject the notion that being LGBTIQ+ is an ideology. Recognizing individuals means acknowledging the full spectrum of human characteristics, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
When it comes to implementing new policies to strengthen these values and to achieve the goal of an inclusive and diverse European Union, that fights discrimination and helps create safe and equal living conditions for the LGBTIQ+ community we identify six areas where there is a need for action and/or the enforcement of legislation.
- Equal Family Rights
- Ban Conversion Therapy
- Transgender Rights and Self-Determination
- Combating Hate Speech and Hate Crimes
- Supporting the creation of safe spaces for Youth
- Stronger international advocacy
We respect each individual, the uniqueness and value of each and every one of us. We never argue about people’s rights to be themselves. This distinguishes us from the far right, the far left and populist demagogues. We will stand firm and stand fully behind the core EPP message for this term in the EU ’United in diversity’.
These principles are EPPride’s recommendations to the EU Commission, the European Parliament and EPP