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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 06-08-09
From: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>
CONTENTS / CONTENU
[01] Diversity truck tours Europe to boost the EU's drive against
discrimination
[02] Rédiffusion
[03] Commission is against discrimination of smokers
Midday Express of 2006-08-09
Reference: MEX/06/0809
Date: 09/08/2006
EXME06 / 09.8
MIDDAY EXPRESS
News from the Communication Directorate General's midday briefing
Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Générale Communicationb
09/08/06
[01] Diversity truck tours Europe to boost the EU's drive against
discrimination
The EU's Stop-Discrimination Truck heads off on its third EU tour tomorrow
10 August, travelling through 22 cities in 13 countries to promote equal
opportunities in employment. On its four-month journey, the 30-ton mobile
information platform will visit job fairs, university career days, youth
festivals, and companies to raise awareness of the benefits of a
discrimination-free working environment. Among other things, the Truck
features a mobile 'Ability Park' which puts visitors' senses to the test to
highlight the everyday challenges people with disabilities face. To mark
Finland's Presidency of the EU, this year's tour starts in Helsinki.
[02] Rédiffusion
[03] Commission is against discrimination of smokers
It is a misinterpretation to say that the EU “gives green light to refuse
smokers a job”, thinks “discrimination of smokers is ok” or
“allows discrimination against smokers” as was invoked by some media.
As clearly stated in the Charter of Fundamental Rights the EU is against
any kind of discrimination. The EC Treaty under Art 13 gives the Commission
the possibility to legislate in certain areas on anti-discrimination. EU
legislation therefore prohibits discrimination on grounds of age, handicap,
sexual orientation and religion or belief in the WORK PLACE; discrimination
on grounds of race/ethnic origin and gender is generally prohibited. The
fact that EU legislation does not cover non-discrimination of smokers does
not mean that the Commission regards discrimination against smokers as
rightful. People should be employed on the basis of their skills and
qualifications, not be excluded ex ante from proving their abilities on any
grounds. Any kind of discrimination beyond the mentioned scope of EU
legislation falls under the responsibility of member states. While the
Commission promotes a smoke-free environment in the work-place as a measure
to protect both smokers and non-smokers' health, the Commission has strong
doubts that is politically acceptable to discriminate against smokers. It
is certainly not the right way to deal with the problem of tobacco
addiction and the implications this might have on the work place. The
Commission itself does n
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/
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