The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights was originally drafted by the European Convention in 2000. However it was in 2009 that it came into force as legally binding across member states (agreed through the Treaty of Lisbon of 2007).

Article 21 on Non-discrimination stated broadly that:

Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

 

Article 23 on equality between men and women stated that:

Equality between women and men must be ensured in all areas, including employment, work and pay. The principle of equality shall not prevent the maintenance or adoption of measures providing for specific advantages in favour of the under-represented sex.