Union of equality: standards for equality bodies in the field of equal treatment between persons, in the field of employment, in matters of social security and in the access to and supply of goods and services

The European Parliament adopted by 495 votes to 106, 18 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council directive on standards for equality bodies in the field of equal treatment between persons irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, equal treatment in matters of employment and occupation between persons irrespective of their religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, equal treatment between women and men in matters of social security and in the access to and supply of goods and services, and amending Directives 2000/43/EC and 2004/113/EC.

Parliament gave its consent to the draft Council Directive.

The Council’s draft aims at ensuring the functioning of equality bodies according to minimum standards, with a view to improving their effectiveness and guaranteeing their independence, so as to strengthen the application of the principle of equal treatment. It sets minimum standards for equality bodies, addressing their mandate, tasks, independence, structure, powers, accessibility and resources, to ensure that they can, alongside other actors.