Europe is at a dangerous crossroads and that’s why this is a critical time for the Commission to adopt a comprehensive LGBTI strategy over the next five years, says ILGA-Europe, in advance of the Finnish Presidency conference on advancing LGBTI equality in the EU.  On 23 September The Finnish Presidency of the Council of

European Commission Acts to Reach Representation Diversity

A new Diversity and Inclusion Charter and fresh action to reach at least 40% women in its management by 1 November 2019 are two key features of the Commission’s new human resources policy. The purpose is to create a better workplace for all – including women, staff with disabilities, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual and Intersex

On July 3rd, 2017 European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) invited a number of Lithuanian NGOs representatives to debate gender equality issues together with the first Vice-president of the European Commission Mr. Frans Timmermans. EVS volunteer Tatiana Kováčová of the National LGBT* Rights Organization LGL was one of them. The participants presented their organizations, introduced

Commission ‘Shockingly Passive’ on LGBT* Rights in Lithuania

On December 5th, 2016 the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBTI Rights has addressed the European Commission regarding its “shockingly passive” position on clear discrimination against LGBT* people in Lithuania. On November 7th, 2016 the European Commission informed the National LGBT* rights organization LGL that it would take no action over a 2013 law that claims

Member State support for progressive EU LGBTI equality work is undeniable

Ministers from 27 EU Member States have issued a clear call to the European Commission to step up its work on LGBTI equality measures.  That message emanated clearly from this afternoon’s (Monday, 7 March 2016) Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council meeting. The adoption of conclusions on gender equality and LGBTI equality was

On Thursday the Polish and Hungarian governments blocked the adoption of a 2011 proposal on property right of married and registered couples by the European Commission, at the Justice and Home Affairs Council. Both governments argued that this proposal infringes their sovereignty and interfere with the national identity, traditions and values related to family and

EU Parliament calls for action to better trans people’s job situation

LGL welcomes the European Parliament’s adoption of the Zaborska Report [1] on equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation. Amongst other things the report also calls for trans people’s improved access to justice, proactive measures, non-discrimination laws, and trans-friendly workplaces. It is to highlight in particular that

Survey: 50 % of Lithuanians do not support equal rights for LGB people

On the 1st of October, 2015 the European Commission (EC) published the results of the latest Eurobarometer survey “Discrimination in the EU in 2015”. 27718 respondents from the European Union (EU) (including 1004 respondents from Lithuania) took part in the survey that has been conducted from May 30 to June 8, 2015. Lithuanian respondents indicated

European Parliament urges Lithuania to recognize same-sex unions

On the 8th of September, 2015 the European Parliament voted in support of a report on the situation of fundamental rights in the EU (2013-2014) [Ferrara report]. The report contains a number of LGBTI specific recommendations: Calls on the European Commission to put forward an action plan or strategy at EU level for equality on

On the 13th of July, 2015 the national LGBT* rights organization LGL received an official notification from the European Commission Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content & Technology, stating that the Commission began investigation regarding LGL’s appeal under the European Union (EU) directive infringement process. A formal complaint, prepared in collaboration with the European LGBTI