The Commission this week finally adopted its long-awaited follow-up to last October’s Kalanke ruling

Date: 28/03/1996

on positive discrimination in the jobs market. In an amendment to the existing directive on equality, the Commission points out that only rigid quota systems are affected by the judgement. The change would give member states leeway to continue with other forms of positive action, on the condition that the “particular circumstances” of each individual case are taken into account. The proposal must now be unanimously adopted by ministers.