European Union tries to combat discrimination against disabled people

From AFP (Agence France-Presse):

BRUSSELS — The EU unveiled July 2 new plans to tackle discrimination against aged or disabled people, strengthen workers' rights and clear up health care across Europe's borders.

The so-called "Renewed Social Agenda" comes amid criticism of the European enterprise since Irish voters rejected the EU's reform treaty, and was a new attempt to prove that Brussels is concerned about people.

"A lot has been said about the need to bring Europe closer to its citizens. That's exactly what we are doing with today's social package," said EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou as she presented part of it.

Under the plans -- quickly criticised for lacking substance -- a real estate agent would no longer be able to refuse to rent to students, for example, or a company deny travel insurance to a disabled person.

The draft rules build on past legislation preventing discrimination on the grounds of age, physical disability, religion or sexual orientation and extend protection into other areas of daily life like access to goods and services.

According to a survey from February and March, 15 percent of Europeans said they had been discriminated against on the basis of gender, disability, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief over the previous year.

"The right to equal treatment is fundamental, but millions of people in the EU continue to face discrimination in their everyday lives," noted Vladimir Spidla, commissioner for employment, social affairs and equal opportunities.