The European Pride Business Network (EPBN) has reached a significant milestone: being granted observer status to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (ADI-SOGIESC). This achievement marks a new chapter in EPBN’s mission to champion workplace equality and inclusion across Europe.

EPBN is honored to join the ranks of leading organizations working alongside ADI-SOGIESC, the Council of Europe’s body dedicated to supporting member states in developing and implementing effective SOGIESC policies. This role allows EPBN to contribute to key deliverables, including the Draft Council of Europe Strategy for the Equality of Rights of LGBTI Persons (2027-2032) and a study on the risks and barriers to full equality caused by discrimination and violence based on gender expression.

“We are very pleased and proud to now collaborate closely with the Council of Europe. For an organization like ours, this represents a significant milestone in our development, and it is both an honor and an incentive for us to achieve our goals of equality and diversity,” said Matthias Weber, EPBN Chairman.

Alejandro Betancor, EPBN Vice-chair, shared: “We are thrilled to join this influential committee and look forward to driving new momentum in shaping policies for greater LGBTIQ+ inclusion in workplaces across Europe, contributing the invaluable expertise of our member organizations.”

The committee comprises representatives from member States engaged in SOGIESC policy, along with participants from various Council of Europe bodies and international organisations such as: European Union (including the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)), Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), United Nations (including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Women, World Bank) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

This milestone reinforces EPBN’s commitment to advancing LGBTIQ+ workplace equality, positioning the network at the forefront of European inclusion efforts. We look forward to shaping policies that foster safer, more equitable workplaces for everyone.