European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE)

EIGE is a European agency created to support the Member States and the EU in their efforts to promote gender equality, to fight gender discrimination and to raise awareness about gender issues.

Its tasks are to collect and analyse comparable data on gender issues, to develop methodological tools, in particular for the integration of the gender dimension in all policy areas, to facilitate the exchange of best practice and dialogue among stakeholders, and to raise awareness among EU citizens.

The bodies of the Institute are a Management Board (decision-making body), an Experts' Forum (consultative body) and a Director (executive body) and her staff. The Management Board adopts the annual work programme, the medium-term work programme as well as the Institute's budget. The Experts' Forum supports the Director in ensuring the excellence and independence of the Institute. The Director, who is the legal representative of the Institute, is responsible for the daily management of the Institute and the implementation of the work programme.

The Institute's budget for the period 2007-2013 is 52.5 million €. The Institute will employ approximately 30 staff during 2010 and envisages the engagement of seconded national experts to enhance its expertise in the field of gender equality.