Press Release: Employment equality rules: European Commission sends final warning to Portugal and closes case against Lithuania

The European Commission on 18 March 2010 stepped up legal action against Portugal for incorrectly implementing EU rules prohibiting discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in employment and occupation (Directive 2000/78/EC, see also MEMO/08/69). The Commission sent Portugal a reasoned opinion, which is the final stage before the case is referred to the European Court of Justice. At the same time, the Commission closed a case concerning the same Directive against Lithuania, which changed its national law to conform with EU requirements