Austria fears spark talks on discrimination

Date: 09/03/2000

By Simon Coss

SPURRED into action by the far-right Freedom Party's entry into government in Austria, EU social affairs ministers will discuss new proposals to combat racial discrimination next week - far sooner than first planned.

Their meeting next Monday (13 March) was originally due to be dedicated solely to preparations for the special EU employment summit in Lisbon later this month. But the fight against discrimination has been added to the agenda at the request of the European Commission and Portuguese presidency.

Both suggested it would be a good idea to discuss the package of anti-discrimination measures drawn up by Social Affairs Commissioner Anna Diamontopolou, even though discussions between national officials have barely got off the ground. "This was really a political decision designed to show that in the current situation the EU takes the problem of discrimination seriously," said one diplomat.

But while ministers will undoubtedly use the occasion to stress their opposition to all forms of discrimination, Diaman-topolou's plans are likely to face a rough ride before eventually making their way onto the Union's statute book.

Several member states have already expressed concern that the proposals are too wide-ranging and seek to address problems which cannot really be described as discrimination. They point to the fact that Diamantopolou's plans include references to harassment at work, arguing that while this is a serious problem, it is not the same as discrimination.

Others have voiced misgivings about plans to reverse the burden of proof in discrimination hearings, forcing those accused of wrong-doing to prove their innocence.

Critics fear this could lead to a flood of bogus discrimination claims.

Spurred into action by the far-right Freedom Party's entry into government in Austria, EU social affairs ministers will discuss new proposals to combat racial discrimination far sooner than first planned, 13.3.00.