Czech Republic launches its campaign for European Year of Equality

The Czech Republic has launched its part in the EU campaign aimed at battling discrimination, entitled the European Year of Equal Opportunities. On Monday Czech EU Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Vladimir Spidla said that EU countries have not yet succeeded in fulfilling the idea of equal opportunities, although he indicated comparing particular states was difficult. The Czech campaign includes seven larger projects as well as seminars, conferences, and festivals aimed at increasing awareness. At the same time, the Czech Republic still lacks anti-discrimination legislation for which the country faces potential EU sanctions. Minister without Portfolio Dzamila Stehlikova - in charge of minorities - has said that the legislation could be passed this year.