The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (EU) prohibits discrimination on the basis of language or membership of a national minority in Art. 21. Furthermore the Union shall respect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, according to Article 22 of the Charter.

The importance that the EU and its member states attach to the individual regions is also reflected in the institution of the Committee of the Regions is expressed. This institution is an advisory body for the Commission, Council and European Parliament. Regions and cities in the Member States are given a say in the EU decision-making process. The Committee of the Region is not an organ for the minorities. But they have the chance to make their interests known in the Committee of the Regions through their activities in the different areas of settlement.

The Council of the European Union has also issued a number of directives against discrimination, for example on the application of the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin from 2000 (2000/43/EC). There is no directive that directly addresses discrimination based on language or membership of a national minority.