The Ombudswoman and Chair of the European Network of Equality Bodies (Equinet), Tena Šimonović Einwalter, participated in meetings held in Brussels on 30 and 31 August 2023 concerning the ongoing process of adopting two EU Directives aimed at establishing legally binding standards for strengthening equality bodies—institutions responsible for combating discrimination in EU Member States.

In December 2022, the European Commission published proposals for two Directives. The adoption of binding standards is expected to strengthen equality bodies, primarily by ensuring their independence—an essential prerequisite for effective action—as well as by providing the necessary resources to effectively combat discrimination, promote equality, support victims, and improve accessibility for citizens. This would also result in a more effective and consistent application of EU law, create conditions for greater equality for all citizens, and ultimately ensure better access to justice.

Significant progress was made during the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of this year. In June 2023, ministers responsible for employment and social affairs from Member States reached a General Approach of the Council on the two Directive proposals. Meanwhile, under the current Spanish Presidency, the European Parliament is reviewing the proposals.

In August, the Ombudswoman met with Members of the European Parliament who serve as co-rapporteurs on the Directive proposals, including Finnish MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen, a member of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, and Luxembourgish MEP Marc Angel, a member of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs. She also took part in a joint session of these two committees and met with MEPs acting as shadow rapporteurs for the Directive proposals.

While in Brussels, Ombudswoman Šimonović Einwalter also discussed the proposals with Croatian MEPs involved in the work of the EP committees that will review or provide opinions on them—Predrag Matić and Karlo Ressler.

On this occasion, the Ombudswoman also met with representatives of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, as well as of the upcoming Belgian Presidency, to discuss current and future priorities in combating discrimination and promoting equality across the EU.