Networks of experts
There are four European networks active in the field of anti-discrimination.
Government expert group
In 2008 the European Commission set up a Governmental Expert Group 
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(GEG) in the field of non-discrimination and the promotion of equality.
The group:
- examines the impact of national and EU-level non-discrimination measures;
- validates good practice through peer learning;
- evaluates the effectiveness of non-discrimination policies.
Network of socio-economic experts
Focusing on most forms of discrimination (age, disability, ethnic or racial origin, sexual orientation, religion or belief), this group is:
- providing the European Commission with informed analysis of the situation in individual countries and of national policy;
- supporting the sharing of good practice between members of the Government Expert Group.
Publications and reports
The good practice exchange seminars, co-organised by the network with the European Commission, have been the main tool used by the Government Expert Group in order to carry out its tasks. Twice a year government officials and experts from between 10 and 15 EU countries participate in these seminars to learn about a particular policy measure of the host country and to discuss its transferability.
Available reports:
- Public policies combating discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and how to overcome barriers - Tallin seminar - Report 2011 [97 KB] ;
- public policies combating discrimination based on age in accessing and progressing in employment - Vienna seminar - Report 2011 [138 KB] ;
- public policies combating discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin in accessing and progressing in employment - Berlin seminar - Report 2010;
- public policies combating discrimination against and promoting equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered people (LGBT), The Hague seminar - Report 2010;
- non-discrimination mainstreaming, Helsinki seminar - Report 2009.
Other publications by the Network of Socio-economic Experts (SEN):
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Synthesis report 2010 - part I on the situation of LGBT groups [666 KB] and part II on ethnic minorities, migrants and employment [608 KB] .
- Synthesis report 2009 - presenting a general picture of non-discrimination in the 27 EU countries and a description of the institutional framework and governance issues.
Network of legal experts
This network comprises 30 national experts (from each EU country plus Turkey, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) and five coordinators, each dealing with different aspects of discrimination.
It provides independent information and advice on:
- national implementation of the two EU anti-discrimination directives;
- national initiatives, proposals for new legislation and other political developments;
- national case law - does it comply with EU law?
- relevant judgments by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and European Court of Human Rights (ECHR);
- good practice in providing legal protection against discrimination.
Publications and reports
- European anti-discrimination law review - published twice yearly, setting out key legal developments at national and EU levels;
- thematic reports - focusing on a particular area;
- country reports - describing how national laws are implementing the two EU directives, covering legislation, preliminary rulings, enforcement mechanisms and positive action.
Network of equality bodies - Equinet
A network for government-designated equality bodies that promote equality and support people facing discrimination (Equinet).
Please find here all the documents related to the networks of experts.