On October 7, equality experts from across Europe and political leaders met in Dublin to discuss the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Ireland and beyond. 

Taking place at Dublin Castle, the event was part of the High-Level Conference on Non-Discrimination (LGBTIQ+ Rights), hosted in Ireland as part of the country’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The conference brought together representatives from EU member states, the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, the United Nations, as well as leading advocacy organisations. The goal of the Dublin event was to explore how Europe can better deliver safety, equality and inclusion for LGBTQ+ people at every stage of life.

The conference also saw the Expert Group on LGBTIQ+ Equality meet to discuss the progress in the protection of LGBTIQ+ people’s rights in the Member States. Composed of governmental experts nominated by each member state, the group is tasked with implementing the LGBTIQ equality strategy 2026-2030.

The event is part of Ireland’s programme for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, reflecting the commitment to promoting equality, inclusion and fundamental rights across Europe.

Opening the conference, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley reaffirmed this commitment, saying: “Europe must continue to ensure safety, equality and inclusion for LGBTIQ+ people throughout the life cycle. 

“While substantial progress has been made, new challenges continue to emerge, particularly in the digital environment.

“By working together, we can help build safer and more inclusive societies where everyone is respected, valued and able to participate fully.”

The conference comes at a time when policymakers across Europe are tackling a series of challenges, including online misinformation, digital abuse against young people and the rise of the far right. Such topics were also discussed at a separate event taking place this weekend in Dublin, namely the ILGA-Europe Annual Conference.

At the conference, Irish civil society groups called on the government to introduce a National Action Plan to Combat Hate to address the escalating impact of anti-LGBTQ+ narratives.