Every year, Pride offers us all an opportunity to pause and reflect on the progress made in securing LGBTQI+ equality. The European Union is proud to see Iceland at the forefront of guaranteeing these rights and freedoms, as reflected by Iceland placing 5^th on ILGA-Europe’s 2023 Rainbow Map!

Now, as we celebrate Iceland’s diversity, it is important to remember that Pride is at its core a demonstration for equality, freedom and acceptance. LGBTQI+ people face many limitations globally and, in many countries, their situation remains highly worrying

For years, the EU has made great strides to support LGBTQI+ equality across the world and is among the world’s top donors to LGBTQI+ civil society organisations and human rights defenders.

The EU always aims to lead by example and we recognise the room for improvement at home. That is why the EU adopted its first ever LGBTQI+ Equality Strategy in 2020 with the aim of building a Union of Equality, in which we strengthen our institutions and policies to address the remaining inequalities and challenges that LGBTQI+ face. With the Equality Strategy, the EU commits itself to combat and prevent all forms of discrimination, exclusion and violence against LGBTQI+ people.  In 2023, The European External Action Service adopted its first Agenda for Diversity and Inclusion which aims to support and to increase political visibility of human rights campaigners and defenders. It also makes sure that the EU adjusts its humanitarian aid and safe protection projects to the needs of different people, including LGBTQI+ persons.

The work towards true equality is never completed but the EU Delegation looks forward to continuous close cooperation with Iceland on this matter, and are excited to join in the celebration of love at Reykjavík Pride!