Today the European Parliament adopted its annual report on EU citizenship, which this year highlights that same-sex couples and their families still face disproportionate obstacles when moving between countries inside the European Union.
In the EU Citizenship Report 2010: Dismantling the obstacles to EU citizens’ rights, the European Parliament “reiterates its previous calls for Member States to ensure freedom of movement for all EU citizens and their families, without discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or nationality”.
Specifically, the Parliament reminds Member States that they must implement the rights granted under the Free Movement Directive, not only to married mixed-sex couples, but also to registered partners and same-sex spouses.
Currently, several Member States discriminate against same-sex couples who want to move or travel to their territory, despite the EU law asking that they be treated the same way as different-sex couples.
The Parliament further “calls on the Commission […] to ensure that the Directive is strictly applied”. The text had previously been deleted, but was reintroduced today by a majority of MEPs.
Adina-Ioana Vălean MEP, author of the report, commented: “My report makes clear what Parliament has known for over four years now: same-sex couples face serious obstacles to their free movement, which is a pillar of the European Union.
“If we are serious about the European project, the Commission needs to address this situation, as well as other obstacles faced by the citizens when exercising their rights, such as the portability of social benefits, recognition of diplomas and inheritance tax.”
