It was with great pleasure that the Institute received a visit from the Director of DG Justice, Directorate D (European Commission) - Mr.Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, in Vilnius on the occasion of the Management Board meeting.

left to right: Ms. Daniela Bankier, Head of Gender Equality Unit (European Commission), Mr. Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, Director of DG Justice, Directorate D (European Commission) and Ms. Virginija Langbakk, EIGE Director

left to right: Ms. Daniela Bankier, Head of Gender Equality Unit (European Commission), Mr. Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, Director of DG Justice, Directorate D (European Commission) and Ms. Virginija Langbakk, EIGE Director

Alongside a new five-year strategy for promoting equality between women and men in Europe in place, focus is currently being directed at the work being done where EIGE plays an important role in making equality between women and men a reality.

Director Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea took the opportunity of his visit to meet and talk with all staff. Additionally, a discussion about the challenges and opportunities for gender equality at EU level and the challenges the EU Institutitions are facing in this particular regard also took place.

Prior to joining DG Justice from DG Home again as Director, Mr. Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea's previously occupied the role of chief negotiator for Romania’s accession to the European Union, State Secretary within the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Romania and also headed of European affairs in Romania.