10/04/24 (Agence Europe) – At their plenary session on Wednesday 10 April, MEPs approved by 479 votes to 116, with 25 abstentions, the provisional political agreement reached with the Council of the EU in December 2023 (see EUROPE 13312/17) on rules to strengthen the bodies responsible for protecting equal treatment in the Member States. The new rules, applicable two years after their adoption, set minimum standards to increase the capacity of national bodies to combat gender-based discrimination in the workplace. These institutions must have the financial and human resources to carry out investigations and initiate dispute resolution procedures for those who feel discriminated against, in accordance with national legislation. Bodies attached to a ministry will have to guarantee their independence. The text gives them the powers, autonomy and resources they need to combat discrimination and assist victims. (NP)