In a bid to counter claims that it is too far removed from its citizens, the EU has presented a series of proposals to beef up social protection. It includes efforts to stop discrimination because of disability, age, sexual orientation and religion in people’s commercial dealings, supplementing existing laws ensuring mainly equal treatment in the workplace.

The European Commission is eager to show that those living in the bloc are being cared for and protected.

There are plans to strengthen the role of pan-EU works councils as well as a package on so-called “health tourism.” It would enable patients to receive treatment outside their home country in any EU state without prior approval from their doctor and be reimbursed.

The measures will be debated by EU governments and the European Parliament in a process that could take months, or even years.

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