Strengthening the Role and Independence of Equality Bodies

This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), examines and makes recommendations on the two Directives on standards for equality bodies proposed by the Commission in 2022. It explores the current situation for equality bodies, establishing issues that trammel their potential due to inadequacies in the design of their institutional architecture, and the conditions created for their independence, effectiveness, and accessibility. The study finds that the Directives, while requiring strengthening, hold significant promise.