Fairforward : shaping inclusive workplaces across Europe : legal framework comparative analysis report

Abstract

This report, forming part of the ‘Fairforward: Shaping Inclusive Workplaces across Europe’ project, presents a comparative analysis of the anti-discrimination employment legal frameworks at the European Union level—specifically Directives 2000/78/EC and 2000/43/EC—and the main equality and legislative frameworks at the national level. The analysis shows strong national alignment with EU frameworks, with Malta having effectively transposed all EU minimum standards on age, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, and racial/ethnic origin. Malta’s legislative mechanisms often go beyond EU safeguards, offering broader protections. Nonetheless, persistent challenges affect disadvantaged groups in the Maltese labour market. The report recommends stronger positive action, better enforcement and access to justice, transparency in migrant worker procedures, and tackling intersectional discrimination.