"The situation of the LGBTQIA+ community in Poland has been getting worse in recent years. These people are also the target of political attacks from the government. Gdańsk actively and consistently supports excluded communities. I am proud that in Gdańsk, the equality policy is introduced by democratic methods, including the citizens' assembly; it is subject to a city-wide discussion and voted by the City Council. Our social campaign 'Gdańsk as the City of Equality' was also well received by the public. Most of the people felt that it was important and needed." Aleksandra Dulkiewicz (PL/EPP), Mayor of Gdańsk made these remarks as the city of Gdańsk in Poland was conferred the Special Award for LGBTIQ Equality on. Its Equality Strategy focused on LGBTIQ people, with the innovative initiative 'LGBT+-friendly service standards', jointly developed with local associations, to coordinate all the services provided by the municipality, including psychological, social and family support.
During a debate focusing on promoting diversity in the EU with EU Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, Melanie Huml (EPP/DE) Minister of State, Bavarian State Government said "The Free State of Bavaria stands for equality, tolerance and protection. A self-determined life free of discrimination and violence must be possible for all persons regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation or physical predisposition. We therefore support the European Diversity Month and the CoR's efforts in this area."
Sari Ruatio (EPP/FI) Member of Hämeenlinna City Council said "Less than half of working age disabled people work today. As our population ages and decreases, it is now more important, for all Europe, to help everyone to work. The change is done in cities and regions."
József Berenyi, Vice - Chairman of Trnava Self – Governing Region said "The Council of Europe's Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and similar charters must be incorporated into the EU's legal framework. The CoR should call for a stronger integration of these."
The debate was held in the last week of the European Diversity Month, created by the European Union in 2020 to celebrate and promote diversity and inclusion and to mark the 10th anniversary of the European Platform for Diversity Charters. In their debate, members of the CoR and Commissioner Dalli also took stock of the progress of local and regional authorities in promoting gender equality, following the publication of the "2023 Report on gender equality in the EU".
Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality, stressed: "Regions and local authorities play a key role in our challenge to build a Union of Equality. They are well-equipped to act fast and implement policies that contribute to fostering a sense of belonging and promoting common values. Their efforts show us what is effective in promoting equality locally, and provide examples of best practices which can support our policies at the European level. This is why we have doubled funding to support regions to act against discrimination and intolerance."
Background information:
The European Diversity Month 2023 takes place during May. This year its focus is on diversity in the workplace and promoting inclusive work environments. It raises awareness of how diversity benefits all by making space for more ideas, perspectives, talents and skills to prosper, and thus enhancing wellbeing, improving decision-making and increasing the potential for higher productivity. Diversity Month is led by the European Commission together with the European Platform of Diversity Charters, which brings together 26 national diversity charters. Diversity Charters help public- and private-sector organisations to design and implement effective diversity and inclusion policies in the workplace. This year the focus is "Assessing diversity and inclusion".
To highlight regions' and cities' role in this crucial challenge, the European Commission has established the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity award. The award, which is open to all local and regional authorities who work to build fairer societies by promoting diversity and inclusion in terms of: sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, LGBTIQ identity, is designed to recognise the work of cities and towns in building environments that allow everyone to feel safe and realise their potential. The award includes three categories: local authorities serving a population smaller or larger than 50,000 inhabitants, and a special award for LGBTIQ equality initiatives. The CoR has been part of the jury of this award since 2022. This year's winners, announced by the European Commission on 27 April, come from seven Member States: Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain.