On 13 and 14 November 2025, the European Commission hosted the presentation of the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2026–2030, followed by the 17th meeting of the LGBTIQ Equality Subgroup, in Brussels. The events took place in the Charlemagne building and at Rue du Luxembourg, bringing together EU institutions, Member States, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders working on equality and non-discrimination. The presentation of the new Strategy marked an important moment for assessing progress since the previous framework and for setting political priorities for the coming years.
The following day, the Equality Subgroup meeting allowed for more in-depth discussions on national developments and on specific thematic areas, including the rights of rainbow families and parental rights across the European Union. NELFA was present at both events. The network was invited to contribute to the session dedicated to parental rights of rainbow families in the EU, where Daniel Martinović, President of NELFA, delivered a presentation on the current challenges faced by LGBTIQ families across Europe. Drawing on NELFA’s ongoing advocacy and legal monitoring work, the presentation highlighted persistent gaps in the recognition of parenthood, unequal access to adoption and assisted reproductive treatments, and the lack of recognition of trans and non-binary parents in many Member States. It also stressed how these legal inconsistencies directly affect children’s security, freedom of movement, and access to rights.
During the discussions, NELFA reiterated its position on the new EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy. While welcoming the Strategy as a positive step in the right direction, the network underlined that it still lacks concrete, binding measures, particularly in the area of family rights and parental recognition. NELFA stressed that political commitments must be accompanied by clear implementation mechanisms if the Strategy is to deliver real improvements in the lives of LGBTIQ families and their children.
These events once again demonstrated the importance of regular, structured exchanges between EU institutions, Member States, and civil society. They provide a crucial space to share data, highlight emerging challenges, and ensure that developments in LGBTIQ rights are assessed in a consistent and informed way across the Union. For NELFA, such meetings are essential to keep parental rights and the situation of rainbow families firmly on the EU agenda and to support Member States in advancing equality in line with fundamental rights and European values.
NELFA will continue to engage actively at EU level and to contribute its expertise to future discussions on equality, non-discrimination, and the protection of all families in Europe.
