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The European Commission published on 13 July 2026 the report on the implementation of the Racial Equality Directive (2000/43/EC) and the Employment Equality Directive (2000/78/EC) establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, including on grounds of disability.

The Report acknowledges the progress made in strengthening the European legal framework, but warns of persistent challenges in the effective implementation of the right to equality, including underreporting of discrimination, difficulties in accessing justice and the need to ensure effective protection mechanisms and sanctions.

One of the figures highlighted by the Commission shows that only 5-11% of victims of discrimination file a formal complaint, highlighting the importance of enhancing knowledge of rights and access to protection mechanisms.

In the area of disability, the Report highlights recent developments in the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, including on discrimination by association and disability-related adaptations.

The Commission also pays particular attention to the new challenges associated with artificial intelligence, warning of the risk of algorithmic discrimination in areas such as recruitment, access to employment and service provision.

The Report therefore underlines the need to further strengthen equality bodies, data collection and use, access to justice and the capacity to prevent and combat structural and emerging forms of discrimination.

The Report can be consulted. HERE.