21/02/2024 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 20 February, EU Member States agreed on the final text of the directive to strengthen equality bodies in order to combat all forms of discrimination. Provisional agreement was reached in December 2023 (see EUROPE 13312/17) on a parallel proposal concerning equal treatment between women and men. The approved text stresses the importance of the independence of equality bodies, free from any outside influence. The tasks of these bodies will be to collect data, raise awareness, publish opinions, conduct inquiries and provide assistance to victims of discrimination. The adopted directive will be forwarded to the European Parliament for approval, with adoption expected in May 2024. Member States will then have 2 years to incorporate this directive and the directive on equal treatment into their national legislation. (NP)