"The fight against the plague of discrimination is at the core of the European Social Agenda". It was stated by MEP Vladimir Spidla in Paris, which hosts, today and tomorrow, the second summit on equal opportunities, jointly promoted by the French Presidency of the EU Council and by the EU Executive. Spidla explains the intention to "extend the existing legal framework" through which the citizens "should benefit from the same safeguards against discrimination" in all the member countries. In addition, the Paris Summit should also "contribute to guaranteeing that promises will be met" within the EU "at the end of the European Year of Equal Opportunities" which was held in 2007. "The summit explain the organisers gathers 400 high-level delegates and all equal opportunities activists, with a view to an effective implementation of the non-discrimination principles within the European Union". The participating delegations will reflect the diversity of the people who work for equal opportunities and will see institutional partners, local authorities, trade unions and civilians working together". (continued)
