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The European Commission has adopted a proposal for a directive to provide protection for discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, sexual orientation and religion or belief beyond the workplace.
It will ensure equal treatment in the areas of social protection, including health care, education and access to and supply of goods and services.
"The right to equal treatment is fundamental, but millions of people in the European Union continue to face discrimination in their everyday lives," said Vladimir Spidla, commissioner for employment, social affairs and equal opportunities.
"At present, there is an inequality in community legislation itself because people are protected from discrimination outside the workplace only on grounds of gender and race or ethnic origin."
He added that equal treatment for all grounds must be assured and called the proposals "proportionate and reasonable".
The law will prohibit direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation but will not effect generally accepted practices such as discounts for senior citizens and age restrictions on certain goods.
Last month equality minister Harriet Harman defended a new bill which will allow firms to discriminate in favour of female and ethnic minority candidates.
