More than 50 rights organisations from across Europe have expressed their “shock and dismay” at Ursula von der Leyen’s decision to do away with the standalone EU position of equality commissioner, describing it as a “downgrading” of the fight against discrimination.

Von der Leyen presented her lineup for the new commission in Brussels earlier this month. Her 27 commissioner designates – senior EU officials who hold positions akin to government ministers – included Hadja Lahbib, currently Belgium’s foreign minister, who was tasked with a portfolio that spans preparedness and crisis management as well as equality.

The announcement, which marked a stark change in tone from 2019 when von der Leyen announced the EU’s first ever commissioner for equality, was swiftly criticised. “This is unacceptable,” the European Women’s Lobby said on social media. “Equality deserves its own commissioner, not just a footnote in an overloaded portfolio.”