Two New Directives on Strengthening Equality Bodies were Published in the EU Official Journal

As the first-ever binding regulations, establishing minimum standards for equality bodies across the EU, Directive (EU) 2024/1499 on “standards for equality bodies in the field of equal treatment between persons irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, equal treatment in matters of employment and occupation between persons irrespective of their religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, equal treatment between women and men in matters of social security and in the access to and supply of goods and services, and amending Directives 2000/43/EC and 2004/113/EC" and Directive (EU) 2024/1500 on "standards for equality bodies in the field of equal treatment and equal opportunities between women and men in matters of employment and occupation, and amending Directives 2006/54/EC and 2010/41/EU," were published in the Official Journal of the EU on May 29, 2024.

These directives set minimum requirements across the EU to enhance the effectiveness and ensure the independence of member states' equality bodies, which are responsible for promoting equal treatment, combating discrimination, and supporting victims.

Despite addressing different areas, the two new directives share similar minimum standards, including:

• Ensuring the independence of equality bodies from external interference.
• Providing adequate human, technical, and financial resources.
• Empowering equality bodies to disseminate best practices, prevent discrimination, and promote equal treatment.
• Increasing authority to investigate allegations of discrimination and participate in dispute resolution, in accordance with national laws and practices.

Following the publication in the EU Official Journal, Member States are given 2 years to transpose the Directives into their national laws.

Click (EU) 2024/1499 and (EU) 2024/1500for more information.