Politicization and autonomy in the governance of the European Equality Bodies

This comparative study examines politicization within Equality Bodies (EBs) across European states, analysing how institutional design shapes their susceptibility to political influence. Focusing on ties with parent authorities, leadership structure (monocratic vs collegial), body type (tribunal vs promotional), and leadership tenure security, it draws on original survey data from 17 EU EB leaders. Grounded in (de-)politicization and principal-agent theories, the findings highlight that limited parental control, collegial governance, fixed leadership terms, and sanctioning powers enhance autonomy. The study positions EBs as hybrid entities within New Public Management, revealing tensions between bureaucratic independence and political oversight in EU governance.