Establishment of a Network of socio-economic experts in the Anti-discrimination field VT-2008- NETWORK OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC EXPERTS IN THE ANTI- DISCRIMINATION FIELD SYNTHESIS

The information contained in this publication does not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the European Commission This publication is supported for under the European Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity (2007-2013). This programme is managed by the Directorate-General for Employment, social affairs and equal opportunities of the European Commission. It was established to financially support the implementation of the objectives of the European Union in the employment and social affairs area, as set out in the Social Agenda, and thereby contribute to the achievement of the Lisbon Strategy goals in these fields. The seven-year Programme targets all stakeholders who can help shape the development of appropriate and effective employment and social legislation and policies, across the EU-27, EFTA-EEA and EU candidate and pre-candidate countries. PROGRESS mission is to strengthen the EU contribution in support of Member States' commitments and efforts to create more and better jobs and to build a more cohesive society. To that effect, PROGRESS will be instrumental in: • providing analysis and policy advice on PROGRESS policy areas; • monitoring and reporting on the implementation of EU legislation and policies in PROGRESS policy areas; • promoting policy transfer, learning and support among Member States on EU objectives and priorities; and • relaying the views of the stakeholders and society at large 2 Establishment of a Network of socioeconomic experts in the Anti-discrimination field VT-2008-EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The objectives of the Network of SocioEconomic Experts in the Non-Discrimination Field (SEN) have in many ways been achieved in this first year. The first two national reports by SEN presented substantial information contributing to the understanding of the phenomenon of discrimination in the European Member States. SEN, as one of the networks facilitated by the PROGRESS programme, provided the Commission with independent expertise and advice and up-to-date information on discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, ethnic or racial origin, sexual orientation, religion or belief and on multiple grounds. The actions of the European Commission and the achievements of the 2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities For All have done a lot to raise the awareness of discrimination in the Member States. Other achievements to be mentioned are the implementation of legislation concerning non-discrimination in all Member States and the establishment of equality bodies. 1. Discrimination SEN's reports have presented an up-to-date overview of the groups affected by discrimination in the Member States, as well as which of …