The new rules, provisionally agreed by EU co-legislators, seek to reinforce support and protection measures for victims and their rights in criminal proceedings. On Wednesday evening, negotiators from Parliament reached an informal agreement with the Council to update the 2012 Victims’ Rights directive following a proposal by the Commission in 2023. The agreement succeeds in: strengthening […]
EU calls for stronger action to end sexual and gender-based violence
Ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, on 25 November, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu and Commissioner Lahbib, on behalf of the European Commission, and High Representative/Vice-President, Kaja Kallas, issued the following statement: “Gender-based violence is unacceptable. On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the European Union renews its determination to end […]
Parliament calls for ambitious gender equality strategy
MEPs want concrete EU action on gender-based violence and issues related to women’s health, employment and political representation. In the report, adopted with 310 votes in favour, 222 against and 68 abstentions, MEPs urge the Commission to present an ambitious gender equality strategy for 2026-2030, with concrete legislative and non-legislative measures in key areas. Strengthening […]
Violence against women and domestic violence: EU equality ministers call for stronger focus on prevention, early detection and intervention
Recognising the vital role that ordinary citizens can play in preventing abuse, the Council has approved conclusions calling for greater efforts to empower bystanders to help combat violence against women and domestic violence. In their conclusions, EU equality ministers underline that awareness, education and societal support are key to ensuring that bystanders can recognise abuse, […]
European Parliament gives green light to EU accession to Istanbul Convention
On Wednesday, Parliament approved the EU’s accession to the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women. Six years after the EU signed the Istanbul Convention – the first legally binding international instrument on preventing and combating violence against women and girls – it has still not been ratified because of the refusal of […]