Equality bodies

New standards, new challenges

Abstract

Equality Bodies are public and independent bodies established in all Member States of the European Union based on Equality Directives approved in the 2000s and 2010s. However, these Directives contain very basic information about their characteristics and powers. The practice of these bodies has demonstrated the importance for all Member States to have Equality Bodies prepared to ensure that citizens are protected from discrimination to the greatest extent possible . In recent years, various international organisations have issued recommendations on this matter, while Equinet (the European Network of Equality Bodies) has actively engaged with this fundamental issue. Building upon these initiatives and in response to the limited adherence to soft law and political recommendations, the European Commission has introduced two legislative proposals (Directives) to set standards for Equality Bodies currently under negotiation. This article will delve into the non-legislative recommendations, analyse the proposed Directives, and offer insights on the negotiation process and the Council’s draft text, all from the Equality Bodies’ perspective.