Open for Business

EU Legislative Interests

Open for Business are interested in existing and upcoming EU legislative proposals which impact LGBTQ+ rights and the economy jointly. Our approach focuses on building greater European stakeholder awareness through bilateral outreach, particularly within the European Commission and European Parliament, using economic evidence which supports greater LGBTI+ inclusion in Member States and accession countries. In line with this approach, there are several main legislative files which are of interest, including first and foremost the ongoing public consultation from the Commission on the next LGBTIQ Equality Strategy post-2025, which Open for Business intend to respond to. Other legislative areas of interest exist largely under the remits of DG JUST, DG EMPL, DG ENEST and the EEAS, and the corresponding Committees of the European Parliament which include LIBE, EMPL, IMCO and FEMM. On the topic of justice and civil liberties, Open for Business are particularly interested to better understand the formation of Inclusive City Charters, amongst other non-discrimination and horizontal issues. Regarding employment and social affairs, Open for Business are interested in the European Anti-Discrimination Directive and the Equal Treatment in Employment Framework Directive. On enlargement policy and accession criteria, Open for Business have existing insights on the economic case for LGBTI+ inclusion in Serbia and are interested in meeting with stakeholders engaged in initiatives affecting the Western Balkans in particular.

Communication Activities

We are co-hosting a Roundtable Discussion with MEP Cynthia NÍ MHURCHÚ. Our key reports for this conversation include: Open for Business City Ratings: Evaluates cities globally on their inclusivity toward LGBTQ+ people, measuring economic competitiveness alongside legal protections and social attitudes. The ratings demonstrate that inclusive cities attract more talent, investment, and innovation, creating a data-driven tool for policymakers and businesses to understand the economic benefits of LGBTQ+ inclusion at the municipal level. The Economic Case for Inclusion in Poland: Provides evidence that LGBTQ+ inclusion would strengthen Poland's economy by enhancing innovation, attracting international talent, and improving business performance. The report demonstrates how discriminatory policies and attitudes create economic costs through brain drain, reduced tourism, and hindered business operations, while estimating potential GDP gains from adopting more inclusive approaches. The Economic Case for Inclusion in Serbia: Examines how LGBTQ+ inclusion could accelerate Serbia's economic development and EU accession process by improving competitiveness and addressing workforce challenges. The report quantifies economic costs of discrimination in terms of productivity losses, healthcare burdens, and missed investment opportunities, while highlighting how inclusive policies would strengthen Serbia's growing tech and service sectors. The Economic Case for Inclusion in Hungary: Analyzes how Hungary's recent anti-LGBTQ+ policies negatively impact its economic performance through talent emigration, tourism reduction, and foreign direct investment hesitancy. The report provides data on productivity losses and quantifies potential economic gains if Hungary were to adopt more inclusive policies, particularly for its manufacturing, technology, and service industries.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

- World Economic Forum - World Business Council for Sustainable Development - World Trade Organisation - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Organisation Members

https://open-for-business.org/the-coalition