Update September 2004

Governments in all EU countries are taking steps to comply with the two directives on equal treatment. In those Member States which recently joined the European Union, the anti-discrimination rules had to be in place before accession. The steps taken so far vary between countries. Differences in the legislation already in place and in the arrangements which exist for protecting and assisting the victims of discrimination mean the responses to the directive also differ.

To take account of these national differences, the campaign website www.stop-discrimination.info has been providing internet visitors with updated national information on what is happening in 15 Member States. Further, the website now features 10 additional national website sections supplying links and contacts to non-government organisations as well as national equality bodies offering help to victims of discrimination in the 10 Member States which acceded to the EU on 1 May 2004. Here, users will soon find current news, legislative texts, press releases, events, articles and reports on discrimination issues.