Know your rights
The Union recognises and respects the rights of the elderly to lead a life of dignity and independence and to participate in social and cultural life.
This right is enshrined in article 25 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
What to do if your rights have been breached
The authorities of EU countries are bound to comply with the Charter of Fundamental Rights only when implementing EU law. Fundamental rights are protected by your country's constitution.
Addressing your complaint to the relevant national authority, government, national courts or a specialised human rights body.
What the European Union is doing to protect your rights
Law
The European Union has since 2000 a directive banning – among other things – discrimination on the basis of age in employment and occupation.
Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation
Funding
The European Commission supports EU countries and civil society in combating discrimination through the rights, equality and citizenship (REC) programme 2014-2020.
The Commission financially supports civil society organisations promoting the right to fair treatment and working to address age discrimination, such as AGE Platform Europe
Related rights
Chapter 3 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is on equality. This chapter also contains the following rights