European Union: new Strategy for LGBTIQ+ equality (2026–2030)

This month, the European Commission unveiled the LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030, marking a significant milestone in the EU’s ongoing commitment to equality, inclusion, and human rights. Building upon the foundations of the 2020–2025 framework, the strategy reinforces the vision of transforming the “Union of Equality” into a lived reality, while addressing the growing tide of anti-LGBTIQ rhetoric and violence across Europe and beyond.

The post-2025 Strategy represents a new chapter in the EU’s efforts to advance equality for LGBTIQ+ people. Its objectives include protecting LGBTIQ+ individuals from harmful practices and hate-motivated crimes, strengthening LGBTIQ+ communities and equality bodies, and fostering collaboration with civil society, Member States, and other stakeholders. To achieve this, the Strategy outlines a comprehensive set of actions to intensify efforts, mainstream LGBTIQ+ equality across all policy areas, and amplify the voices of LGBTIQ+ minorities — for instance, by tackling harmful conversion practices and supporting civil society organisations through targeted funding. 

The document outlines the EU's strategic objectives for promoting LGBTIQ+ equality, focusing on three main areas:

1. Protect: Ensuring safety and tackling hate against LGBTIQ+ people, countering hate and discrimination online, and ensuring protection for LGBTIQ+ applicants for international protection and migrants.
2. Empower: Laying the foundations for LGBTIQ+ empowerment, empowering LGBTIQ+ individuals through employment and social inclusion, and ensuring equal rights across borders.
3. Engage: Strengthening engagement within the EU and maintaining worldwide engagement to uphold LGBTIQ+ people's human rights.

The document emphasises the importance of intersectionality, addressing how the combination of sexual orientation, gender identity, and other personal characteristics contributes to unique experiences of discrimination. Also, some key actions and commitments are mentioned in the report, such as the EU will push for legislative progress, including advancing the Equal Treatment Directive and reviewing the Employment Equality Directive. It will support LGBTIQ+ civil society organisations and grassroots activism, especially where funding is limited. Internationally, the EU will promote LGBTIQ+ rights and align candidate countries with EU standards. Finally, the Commission will monitor progress and present a mid-term review in 2028.  

The strategy concludes with reinforcement of the EU’s vision of a society where LGBTIQ+ people can live freely, without discrimination or hatred. Achieving equality requires joint efforts from EU institutions, Member States, civil society, businesses, and allies to turn shared values into real change. The Commission will monitor progress and work with all stakeholders to ensure the strategy’s objectives are met, presenting a mid-term review in 2028.