The European Commission today stepped up legal action against Portugal for incorrectly implementing EU rules prohibiting discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in employment and occupation (Directive 2000/78/EC, see also MEMO/08/69). The Commission sent Portugal a reasoned opinion, which is the final stage before the case is referred to the European Court of Justice. At the same time, the Commission closed a case concerning the same Directive against Lithuania, which changed its national law to conform with EU requirements. In the reasoned opinion sent to Portugal (see also IP/08/155), the Commission pointed out that: …more