EU agencies don't run themselves. In this explainer, we demystify EIGE's Management Board: who its members are, what they do, and how they help shape the Agency's work to advance gender equality across Europe.
You would be correct in assuming that EIGE’s research, data and expertise help promote and advance gender equality across Europe. But behind the scenes, another key body helps steer the Agency’s direction: the Management Board.
Most people hear the words ‘Management Board’ and immediately imagine a room full of people discussing spreadsheets and budgets over coffee.
In reality, EIGE's Management Board is actually a lot more substantial than that.
If EIGE is the EU's gender equality expert, then the Management Board is the group that steers the ship. It doesn't run the Agency day-to-day - that is the Director’s role - but it determines priorities, sets the overall direction, and ensures how it can best support the European Union's goals on gender equality.
So who are its members?
The Board is made up of representatives from 18 EU Member States, alongside one representative from the European Commission. Member State representatives are appointed by their national authorities for a three-year term, while the European Commission appoints its representatives by Commission Decision. Together, they help shape EIGE's strategic direction.
The important bit? They’re not in place to share and champion their own country's interests.
While the majority bring national expertise and perspectives to the table, their role is ultimately to ensure that EIGE delivers for the European Union as a whole. That means looking at the bigger picture and asking questions such as: What are the biggest challenges facing gender equality in Europe? What evidence do policymakers need? And how can EIGE have the greatest impact?
In practical terms, the Board has significant influence over the Agency's future direction. It approves EIGE's budget, adopts work programmes and helps determine what the Agency should focus on in the years ahead, and ensures that EIGE operates in compliance with its legal framework.
In simple terms, it sets the destination while EIGE's Director, Carlien Scheele and staff take care of the route.
The Board meets several times a year, tackling everything from future priorities and financial planning to emerging policy developments and long-term strategy. It's where some of the Agency's most important decisions are discussed and agreed, including decisions on staff policy and safeguards.
At a time when gender equality is facing pushback, EIGE's work has arguably never been more important. From tackling gender-based violence and economic inequalities to supporting evidence-based policymaking, the Agency provides the knowledge needed to turn political commitments into action.
That is where the Management Board comes in.
Its job is not just to oversee the Agency. It is to help ensure that gender equality remains firmly on Europe's agenda and that EIGE continues to deliver the knowledge needed to address some of the EU's biggest social, economic and democratic challenges.
Because when it comes to building a more resilient, competitive and inclusive Europe, gender equality is central.
And behind that effort is a Management Board ensuring that the work stays on course.