The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) today hosted a stakeholder consultation on the new EU LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030, bringing together EU institutions, civil society and practitioners to discuss how the Strategy can be delivered consistently across Europe’s regions and municipalities.
The consultation will feed into the drafting of the CoR’s forthcoming opinion on the Strategy by rapporteur Susanne Wahlström (SE/EPP), member of the CoR Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture. The CoR’s work focuses in particular on how local and regional authorities can support implementation of the Strategy across Europe.
“This is all about the rights and the values of freedom, equality and non-discrimination—principles that are binding across the Union,” said Rapporteur Susanne Wahlström. “The Strategy sets a frame that demands active commitment and teamwork from all of us—EU institutions, Member States and civil society—so it can be executed. How can we move beyond political commitments to ensure consistent implementation and enforcement of EU anti-discrimination standards across all Member States?”
In her opening intervention, the Rapporteur also highlighted the need for a shared narrative on the societal value of equality and inclusion, including their contribution to innovation, creativity and competitiveness. She underlined the importance of improving how equality information is used, noting that progress may depend not only on collecting data, but on standardising and applying equality data more effectively.
Civil society as a strategic partner in delivery
The consultation highlighted the essential role of civil society and grassroots organisations in documenting discrimination, supporting victims, and sustaining visibility where institutions may fall short.
“We should never underestimate civil society and grassroots organisations — they document discrimination, support victims, and make equality visible where institutions often fail,” Wahlström who serves as Mayor of Habo said. “Funding civil society is not charity — it is a strategic enabler for justice, accountability, and evidence-based policy.”
Local and regional delivery at the core: protect, empower, engage
Participants were invited to provide practical input on the role of municipalities, regions and local public services in delivering the Strategy’s three objectives:
1. Protect — ensuring safety and tackling hate against LGBTIQ+ people, including countering hate and discrimination online;
2. Empower — advancing employment and social inclusion and ensuring equal rights;
3. Engage — strengthening engagement and commitment to uphold the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people.
Equality, competitiveness and Europe’s resilience
Finally, Wahlström emphasised that inclusion is not in tension with competitiveness — it strengthens it: “Diversity and inclusion don’t weaken competitiveness — they drive innovation, creativity, and stronger problem-solving,” she said. “Equality, openness, and innovation are not separate goals — together, they define the future strength of the European Union.”
