The anniversary conference “25 Years of Equality: Turning Points, Challenges, and Horizons”, organized by the European Network of Equality Bodies (EQUINET), marked a quarter century since the adoption of key European anti-discrimination documents — Directive 2000/43, Directive 2000/78, and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

“When I listen to experiences from other countries, it becomes clear that despite different contexts, we all face very similar challenges. Polarization, the rise of extremism, and resistance to equality measures are present everywhere, which is why meetings like this are incredibly valuable,” said Commissioner Brankica Janković in Brussels. “Equality is not something to be taken for granted — it requires constant commitment, struggle, and courage to bring about change,” the Commissioner emphasized.

In addition to representatives of equality bodies from almost every European country, the conference was attended by members of the European Commission, the European Parliament, and other EU institutions, as well as representatives from civil society, the academic and scientific community.