"I think it is in consideration among some groups but absolutely majority in EP does not think that's the way to treat EIGE. EIGE is quite a new agency. I think it's very important to have an agency that deals with gender equality issue," the Swedish MEP said in an interview to BNS.
"The majority in the parliament are not in favor to take EIGE away. It's a very strong majority that EIGE must remain as a separate agency and not merge with FRA," Gustafsson added.
Last year, the European Parliament approved a report proposing to merge the EIGE and the FRA in order to avoid overlapping and cut costs. The final decision, however, has not been made yet.
Launched in 2010, the EIGE aims at fighting gender discrimination in the EU and to increase public awareness on gender equality issues.
