"The European Year helped spread the message of equality and diversity to millions of people across Europe": Vladimir pidla, MEP, outlines the first results of the Equal Opportunities Year, that took place in the 27 EU member states and ends with the "Celebrating 2007" event. The initiative will take place in Lisbon today and tomorrow and aims at "celebrating the results that have been achieved so far and looking at the challenges that remain for the future" in this sphere. "With more than one thousand different activities in 30 countries, the campaign for equal opportunities "has raised the citizens’ awareness of their right to live without discriminations, helped establish new dialogue between different players engaged in the promotion of equality, and shed light on the benefits that come from diversity for society as a whole". The EU Executive has already planned a new event for 2008, which will face the problem of discrimination outside the workplace. "The best ideas that have come to the fore during the year will be promoted explains the MEP as part of the new Progress scheme". (continued)
