10/04/24 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 10 April, the European Parliament approved by 495 votes to 106, with 18 abstentions, the recommendation tabled by Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP, Finnish) to approve the Council Directive strengthening equality bodies throughout the EU to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in order to combat all forms of discrimination. The text approved by the Member States on 21 February (see EUROPE 13355/23) stresses the importance of equality bodies remaining independent of any outside influence. Their mission will include gathering data, raising public awareness, publishing recommendations, carrying out surveys and supporting individuals who are victims of discrimination. Member States have two years to transpose this directive into their national legislative frameworks. (NP)