This high-level conference took place in person on 14 December in Berlin. It gathered Heads of Policy participants from Equality Bodies, Civil Society Organisations, government representatives, representatives from the European Commission, and other European, international and German institutions. This conference was followed by a peer-to-peer advocacy workshop ” Advocacy learnings for and from Equality Bodies at the national level” on 15 December.
The video below includes insights from the Conference’s participants on the crucial work of Equality Bodies in safeguarding the rights of every individual in Europe and on the necessity of a legislative framework that empowers Equality Bodies with the necessary powers, mandate, and independence to fulfil their mission effectively.
Background
In an ever-evolving landscape of equality and non-discrimination efforts, Equinet, the European Network of Equality Bodies, plays a pivotal role in advancing the cause of equal treatment across Europe. These bodies, which operate as independent public institutions within their respective countries, are mandated to champion equality and combat discrimination. However, variations in their structures and powers have resulted in unequal protection against discrimination within the EU.
In 2018, the European Commission issued a recommendation to set standards for Equality Bodies, urging Member States to consolidate these essential institutions. Subsequently, in 2021, the Commission conducted a comprehensive review of Equality Bodies’ performance, revealing persistent challenges despite the 2018 recommendation. As a response, the Commission proposed new legislation in December 2022 to reinforce the role of these bodies, emphasizing their importance in assisting victims of discrimination and ensuring the effective implementation of EU non-discrimination laws.
To facilitate these developments, Equinet launched the Meeting the Challenges of Common Standards for European Equality Bodies – Mitigating the Discriminatory Potential of Artificial Intelligence project in 2023. Supported by the German Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (FADA), this initiative strives to enhance Equinet Members’ capacity to guide their national authorities in the implementation of EU directives and promote the significance of consistent standards for efficient Equality Bodies. This project aligns with the broader goal of creating a legal framework that empowers Equality Bodies to be more independent, effective, respected, and accessible, making them essential cornerstones of national equality infrastructures.
Read more on Standards for Equality Bodies here.
Objective
The conference and workshop were organised in the frame of the EQUINET-FADA project. The objective of this joint event was two-fold. First, it aimed at increasing awareness and understanding amongst decision makers about Equality Bodies. Second, it aimed at increasing the capacity amongst Equinet Members to advocate for an optimal national transposition and implementation of the Standards directives.