New Strategy for LGBTIQ+ Equality
Hatred and prejudice against LGBTIQ+ people, unfortunately, is still present among us. And in this convocation of the European Parliament, one could hear terrible words directed at LGBTIQ+ people, especially towards the trans community. That is why it is important that the European Commission adopted a new Strategy for LGBTIQ+ Equality 2026-2030, which clearly shows that Europe wants to move forward - towards a society of equality, freedom and dignity for all.
The strategy addresses the fight against violence, hatred and discrimination and highlights three key objectives: protect, empower and include. Among other things, it refers to Prohibition of the so-called “treatment of homosexuality”, ie conversion practices that still exist in some member countries, as well as the cessation of restricting public gatherings in support of LGBTIQ+ people, like Pride in Budapest.
This document should be incentive to national governments to move more strongly in the direction of protecting LGBTIQ+ people, as we have already done in Zagreb with the adoption of the city's first LGBTIQ+ strategy. Croatia has solid laws, but in practice they are often poorly implemented, and we are still waiting national strategy which the European Commission is requesting by 2027.
In the European Parliament, together with colleagues from LGBTIQ Intergroups— the largest groups of deputies of different political options — I continue to respond loudly to any attempt to attack the rights of LGBTIQ+ people, especially trans communities as one of the most vulnerable groups.
Everyone in the European Union should feel safe, free to love who they want and be who they are. This is exactly the message of the European Commission's new Strategy - and this is the direction Europe must go if it wants to remain a community of equal rights, freedom and dignity for all.
