07/05/24 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 7 May, the Council of the European Union adopted two directives strengthening bodies for the promotion of equal treatment. They aim to improve the effectiveness and independence of these bodies in their fight against discrimination on the grounds of religion, belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and gender. The directives impose minimum standards in terms of skills, independence and resources. They also provide for mandatory consultation of these bodies by public institutions and give them greater powers to investigate and settle discrimination-related disputes. Following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and the entry into force of these texts, Member States will have two years to adapt their national legislation. (NP)