AGE DISCRIMINATION IN THE CASE LAW OF THE EU COURT OF JUSTICE

Diplomsko delo predstavlja in analizira pomembnejše primere dosedanje sodne prakse Sodišča EU v zvezi z diskriminacijo po starosti. V delu je opredeljen pojem diskriminacije po starosti in primeri, v katerih je različno obravnavanje na podlagi starosti dopustno. Diplomsko delo se skupaj s sodno prakso Sodišča EU osredotoča na diskriminacijo po starosti pri zaposlitvi in delu. S staranjem prebivalstva je sodne prakse na tem področju vedno več. V diplomski nalogi ugotavljam, da je Sodišče EU prepoved diskriminacije po starosti izenačilo z ostalimi oblikami diskriminacije in ga zajelo v splošno načelo enakega obravnavanja. S preučevanjem sodne prakse sem prišel do zaključka, da čeprav Sodišče EU vztraja pri svoji strogi proti diskriminacijski politiki, je pripravljeno dopustiti različno obravnavanje na podlagi starosti, še posebej kadar je slednje utemeljeno z legitimnimi cilji zaposlovalne politike, delovnim trgom ali poklicnega usposabljanja in daje državam široko diskrecijsko pravico pri oblikovanju svojih nacionalnih politik na tem področju.The diploma thesis presents and analyzes more relevant case law of the EU Court of Justice linked to age discrimination. It explains the term age discrimination and defines when difference in treatment on grounds of age is permitted. The thesis alongside with the case law of the EU Court of Justice focuses on age discrimination in employment and occupation. As a result of an ageing population, case law in this area continues to grow. In the thesis I come to the conclusion, that EU Court of Justice treats age discrimination in the same way as other forms of discrimination and considers it part of the general principles of equal treatment. By studying the case law I come to the conclusion that while EU Court of Justice stands firm on its anti discrimination policy, it is prepared to allow difference in treatment on grounds of age, when age-based distinctions are used to achieve legitimate aims, including legitimate employment policy, labour market and vocational training objectives, and allows Member States to enjoy broad discretion when it comes to forming their own national policies in this area