Rights groups' shock as von der Leyen 'downgrades' commission equality role

More than 50 rights organisations have expressed "shock and dismay" at Ursula von der Leyen's decision to do away with the standalone EU position of equality commissioner, describing it as "downgrading" the fight against discrimination.

- Ashifa Kassam

Von der Leyen presented her lineup for the new commission in Brussels this month. Her 27 commissioner designates senior EU officials who hold positions akin to government ministers - included Hadja Lahbib, currently Belgium's foreign minister, who was tasked with a portfolio that spans preparedness and crisis management as well as equality.

The announcement, which marked a stark change in tone from 2019 when von der Leyen announced the EU's first ever commissioner for equality, was swiftly criticised. "This is unacceptable," the European Women's Lobby said on social media. "Equality deserves its own commissioner, not just a footnote in an overloaded portfolio."

The European Disability Forum said the decision set a "dangerous precedent" by rolling back previous achievements. "We are outraged by this downgrade," said Yannis Vardakastanis, of the forum. "It is a slap in the face for millions of people and risks all the progress that the commission has made so far regarding our rights."