Equality of chances has as foundation to ensure full participation of every person at economic and social life, regardless of ethnic origin, sex, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation, equal treatment and respect of the rights and freedoms for each citizen regarding the access to education and to a workplace, in forming a family and in taking public and political decisions, the salient feature that defines democratic and developed societies.
The European Union thus promotes fundamental rights, non-discrimination and equal opportunities for all citizens.