To reach our objective of a more inclusive workplace, we support our formal and staff-led groups – the main partners with whom we coordinate our activities and initiatives.
The Joint Committee on Equal Opportunities (COPEC)
COPEC (Comité Paritaire pour l’Égalité des Chances) is EIB’s independent committee promoting equal opportunities for all staff members. It consists of twelve delegates, six appointed by EIB’s department for personnel management and six by the Committee of Staff Representatives.
Within its responsibilities to promote and foster equal opportunities, COPEC can propose actions and initiatives to EIB’s department for personnel management and to the management committee; is consulted on proposals affecting personnel policy to be submitted to the management committee; monitors managerial selection processes; and raises awareness with regard to diversity and inclusion.
For further information about COPEC’s responsibilities and governance, please see the Convention of COPEC here.
As diversity and inclusion are key elements of corporate responsibility, the Corporate Responsibility Department actively supports the Bank’s D&I efforts and initiatives.
The Department further ensures that the Bank communicates appropriately on its diversity and inclusion policies and practises, both externally by publishing corporate responsibility documentation such as the Sustainability Report and by responding to information requests from external stakeholders, and internally through awareness-raising presentations to various audiences.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, are voluntary groups led by and for staff sharing a common vision and goal and organised around certain shared characteristics or life experiences. ERGs are open to all staff of the EIB Group and provide a safe space, support, learning and networking opportunities, contributing to personal and professional development.
ConnectedWoMen is a forum open to all women working within the EIB Group, as well as to everyone interested in gender diversity, and willing to share their experience and advice in a constructive manner. ConnectedWomen aims to develop practical solutions for everyday challenges encountered in the workplace.
EIB Proud is a network of EIB Group staff who identify as LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer) and LGBTIQ Allies. The network aims at supporting the EIB Group to become a more diverse and inclusive employer and an employer of choice and to mainstream diversity and inclusion into the EIB Group activity and business
enAble is a support network for colleagues living with a disability, caring for a person with a disability, a chronic illness or special needs, and for all motivated and interested staff. enAble aims to raise awareness and advocate for disability rights, in line with European and international legislation and with the motto of organisations representing persons with disabilities and carers: “Nothing about us without us.”
DEIB Champions
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Champions, or DEIB Champions, are a network of colleagues who have decided to volunteer to foster an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. Thanks to the engagement of colleagues all across the Bank, DEIB Champions organise and disseminate events, learning opportunities and start conversations to raise awareness of key topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.