On Tuesday 7 November, the European Parliament’s Committees on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) and Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) adopted by a large majority (48 votes in favour, 8 against, 7 abstentions) their negotiating position on two proposals for directives aimed at strengthening equality bodies in the Member States of the European Union (see EUROPE 13233/10).
MEPs want these bodies to be fully independent in the exercise of their duties, particularly as regards their legal structure, budget management and communications. This requires for Member States to provide these bodies with sufficient financial and technical resources to enable them to attract qualified staff.
According to the parliamentary committees, national bodies must be empowered to provide free assistance to people suffering discrimination. They will be empowered to investigate allegations of discrimination and to take legal action of their own initiative. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)