AIDS-Fondet and Aidsfonds call for ambitious, inclusive, and community-led vision in EU’s next LGBTIQ equality strategy

Last week, Aidsfonds and AIDS-Fondet responded to the European Commission’s call for input for its next LGBTIQ Equality Strategy (2026–2030). They submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations rooted in the expertise and lived experiences of LGBTIQ people across Europe and beyond. The vision is clear: the next strategy must be rights-based, scientifically grounded, and community-led — with sustained political and financial support.

Pivotal moment

As the European Union prepares its next LGBTIQ Equality Strategy, it does so at a pivotal moment. Across Europe and globally, LGBTIQ communities are experiencing a growing wave of hostility — marked by rising hate speech, physical violence, political backlash, and the rollback of basic protections. Access to healthcare, housing, education, and legal recognition remains unequal, and in many cases, actively under threat.

Responsibilty and opportunity

Despite progress in some Member States, structural discrimination persists, especially for those affected by HIV, STIs, and systemic exclusion. Community-led responses — often the most effective — remain underfunded and under-recognised. In this challenging context, the European Union faces both a responsibility and an opportunity: to lead with conviction, to protect hard-won rights, and to advance inclusive policies that improve lives.

Download the key recommendations