Six Polish towns claiming to be “LGBT-free zones” have been refused funding by the European Commission under a twinning programme. This highly symbolic penalty expresses the European Union’s refusal to tolerate discrimination on its territory.

The Commission’s proposal for a multi-annual financial framework, dating from May 2020, introduced the condition of respect for the rule of law and EU values as an essential element for obtaining EU funding.

The European Council’s position on this initial proposal was considered by many to be unambitious. This sanction comes at the right time to reassure the many organisations working for the promotion of human rights in the European Union.

Twinning programmes finance activities aimed at creating links between communities in different countries. The maximum amount of money granted to projects submitted by municipalities is €25,000.