The European Committee of the Regions’ SEDEC commission has adopted its opinion on “A Union of Equality: LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030”, placing strong emphasis on implementation at local and regional level. Drafted by rapporteur Susanne Wåhström, Mayor of Habo Municipality, the opinion underlines that achieving equality requires coordinated action across all levels of governance, with municipalities and regions playing a decisive role in translating EU commitments into concrete realities on the ground.
Addressing the SEDEC Commission, Wåhström stressed the need to move beyond declarations, stating: “This strategy is about freedom, equality and non-discrimination and we all have the possibility to move from political commitments to implementation across all Member States”.
At the core of the opinion are proposals that anchor the strategy firmly in the local and regional dimension. It highlights that municipalities and regions are central actors in combating inequality, particularly through dialogue with civil society and social partners, and through the development of inclusive local strategies aligned with national action plans.
The opinion frames this territorial approach within the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, while insisting that local and regional authorities must be adequately equipped, both financially and institutionally, to deliver results. It also calls on the European Commission to ensure that EU funds are not used to support discriminatory practices and that all levels of government uphold non-discrimination standards. Protection measures are presented as a concrete responsibility at local and regional level.
The opinion urges authorities to allocate funding to eliminate conversion practices and forced medical interventions, and to invest in training for frontline professionals. It stresses the importance of ensuring safe and inclusive environments, where Pride events and LGBTIQ+ expression can take place freely without obstruction.
The opinion further links equality to the delivery of essential services. Local and regional authorities are described as being at the forefront of implementing inclusive policies in education, healthcare, social services and employment. It calls for strengthened support systems, including safe community spaces and targeted services, while addressing persistent disparities such as the urban–rural divide in acceptance and access.
The opinion also highlights risks of housing insecurity and homelessness among LGBTIQ+ youth, and connects inclusive policies to broader outcomes such as economic resilience, innovation and public trust.
Finally, the opinion emphasises governance, data and mobility. It calls for better access to equality data at local level, stronger involvement of municipalities and regions in national action plans, and enhanced cooperation across territories to share good practices. It also underlines the need for clear guidance on cross-border rights and family recognition, reinforcing the territorial dimension of free movement within the EU.
