The current equality rules for the EU require the creation of national equality bodies in every EU member state. These institutions have proven to be essential and valuable for endorsing the principle of non-discrimination and for guiding both public authorities and private organizations toward inclusive equality policies.
Across member states, equality bodies have often taken a leading role in handling discrimination complaints and have become trusted centers of expertise and support. Yet the landscape remains diverse, and in some places independence is limited and powers are underwhelming. This happens because existing legislation often sets only minimum standards for competence and independence, without establishing robust, universal benchmarks that all bodies must meet.
That uneven terrain creates gaps in protection and assistance for victims of discrimination. Building a Union of equality means ensuring that every person in every member state enjoys at least a common baseline of protection from discrimination and access to comparable avenues for redress.
Today the European Commission introduced a new legislative initiative aimed at unlocking the full potential of equality bodies. The goal is for these bodies to more effectively implement EU equality rules, help discrimination victims access justice, participate in prevention and awareness activities, and strengthen knowledge about discrimination. It also seeks to expand the understanding and capacity of both public institutions and private organizations to uphold equal treatment.
The need for stronger action is underscored by persistent perceptions of systemic discrimination based on race or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs, disability, age, or other factors. In many places, discrimination remains underreported, and a notable share of incidents goes unnoticed and unaddressed. The statistics are troubling: even in today’s societies, high percentages of people experience or witness discrimination, and reporting gaps contribute to ongoing harm.
Discrimination exacts a real cost on individuals, communities, and the broader economy. With labor markets facing shortages and skills gaps, there is a clear imperative to boost participation of women, people with disabilities, Roma communities, and those with migrant backgrounds. Ensuring equality in daily life is a powerful driver of inclusive, sustainable growth, and strengthening equality bodies is a key part of making that future a reality.
The European Commission’s proposed legislation on equality-body rules is designed to improve governance and effectiveness. Member States would be required to maintain the independence of these bodies, secure adequate funding, and empower them to assist victims of discrimination more decisively.
Equality organizations that support citizens who experience discrimination would mark a clear before-and-after moment. Services offered by these organizations should be freely accessible to all victims, on equal terms and without barriers or discrimination of any kind.
Equality bodies would be obligated to provide every complainant with clear information and a preliminary assessment of their situation. They could propose concrete avenues for pursuing cases, from attempting amicable settlements to launching formal investigations, delivering binding opinions or decisions, or seeking justice through the courts.
With this reform, equality bodies can play a pivotal role in generating and sharing knowledge. Public institutions would be required to consult these bodies in a transparent and timely manner on equality-related issues and to incorporate their recommendations into policy decisions.
These organizations can contribute to improving quality and reliability of data on equality. High-quality data collection is essential for monitoring progress and guiding policy. Regular reports on equal treatment and discrimination will illuminate the challenges that must be addressed and the opportunities that progress can unlock.
If implemented well, equality bodies will do more than tackle discrimination in individual cases. They can help member states embed the principle of equality into everyday governance and support advances toward more cohesive, inclusive societies in the medium term.
Notes from this initiative emphasize practical steps: the independence, funding, and mandate of equality bodies will be protected; victims will have easier access to information and avenues for redress; and a stronger knowledge base will support better policy design and enforcement. In turn, this should translate into stronger protections, clearer accountability, and more consistent treatment for all individuals across Europe, and it should also set a benchmark that resonates with audiences in Canada and the United States who seek comparable standards of equality in public life and the private sector. In sum, the proposed measures aim to turn the ideal of equal rights into a lived daily reality for people everywhere who deserve fair treatment and equal opportunity.