Local and regional leaders call for stronger action against discrimination, conversion practices and online hate speech
The EPP-CoR has called for stronger action to protect LGBTIQ+ people from discrimination, stressing that ensuring equal rights and opportunities is essential for Europe's democratic resilience, economic prosperity and social cohesion. The call came during the plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), which adopted an EPP-CoR led opinion on the European Commission's Union of Equality: LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026-2030.
Addressing the CoR plenary in Brussels, rapporteur Susanne Wahlström (SE/EPP), Member of Habo Municipal Council, said: "An equal Europe is a Europe where we can all live openly and safely. Every person should have the freedom to live their life without fear of discrimination or oppression. Equality and openness strengthen social communities, the power of innovation and economic development."
In the opinion, Wahlström welcomed the European Commission's new strategy and acknowledged the progress made in advancing LGBTIQ+ rights across Europe. At the same time, she expressed concern over the backsliding observed in some Member States and called for stronger, coordinated action across all levels of governance to safeguard the rights of LGBTIQ+ people.
The opinion underlines that equality is not only a matter of fundamental rights but also a key driver of Europe's social cohesion, economic resilience and democratic stability. The rapporteur stressed that inclusive communities attract talent, foster innovation and strengthen local economies, while discrimination and exclusion undermine public trust, weaken democratic values and create economic costs.
Local and regional leaders also called for decisive action to eliminate harmful conversion practices affecting LGBTIQ+ people. The opinion supports efforts to prevent and prohibit conversion practices and urges local and regional authorities to allocate funding to eradicate such practices
Recognising the growing impact of the digital environment, the opinion warns that hate speech, online violence and artificial intelligence can increase discrimination, particularly against young LGBTIQ+ people, leading to exclusion, fear and mental health problems. Members therefore call for stronger digital literacy education in schools and greater support for organisations helping young people recognise, report and respond to online abuse and misinformation.
The opinion urges Member States to provide clear and accessible information on cross-border rights and ensure that public administrations receive adequate training to support LGBTIQ+ people and their families.
CoR members stressed that combating inequality requires action at every level of governance. They called for closer cooperation between EU institutions, national governments, local and regional authorities and civil society, while ensuring that regions and cities have the resources and capacity needed to translate the objectives of the new Equality Strategy into tangible action for citizens.
