Ahead of the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, the European Parliament calls for EU leadership in achieving equal opportunities for women in every area of life, including by implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action on gender equality. The recommendation was adopted by plenary with 322 votes in … Read more
The fifth European Gender Equality Week will include several debates and events under the common theme of “The Digital World: Safety and Empowerment”. MEPs will address gender equality issues in different policy areas, focusing on the opportunities as well as challenges faced by women online, as illustrated in this video statement by Antonella Sberna (ECR, … Read more
Coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, Disability Rights Week will include Parliament committees across all policy fields, as well as lead MEPs, hosting debates and events on the EU’s disability policies, assessing whether they are empowering people with disabilities to live on an equal footing and realise their full … Read more
Equality In her introductory statement, Belgian Commissioner-designate Hadja Lahbib underscored that with crucial equality legislation already adopted in recent years, it is time to make sure the new rules are successfully applied across the EU, including the full implementation of the Istanbul Convention. She announced that, on International Women’s Day on 8 March 2025, she … Read more
A committee bureau (Chair and up to four Vice-chairs) is elected for a two- and- a- half- year mandate. Committees deal with legislative proposals, appoint negotiating teams to conduct talks with EU ministers, adopt reports, organise hearings and scrutinise other EU bodies and institutions. This text will be continuously updated throughout the day. More information … Read more
Parliament adopted on Wednesday, with 522 in favour, 27 against, and 72 abstentions, the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. The directive calls for stronger laws against cyberviolence, better assistance for victims, and steps to prevent rape. The new rules prohibit female genital mutilation and forced marriage and outline … Read more
On Tuesday, MEPs adopted with 563 in favour, 7 against, and 17 abstentions a law expanding the scope of current measures to combat and prevent human trafficking and better support its victims. To broaden the EU’s actions against human trafficking beyond labour and sexual exploitation, the new law also criminalises forced marriage, illegal adoption and … Read more
In a resolution adopted on Thursday with 336 votes in favour, 163 against and 39 abstentions, MEPs want to enshrine the right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights – a demand they have made several times. MEPs condemn the backsliding on women’s rights and all attempts to restrict or remove existing protections … Read more
President Metsola thanked the players for shattering stereotypes and showing that gender does not have to hinder the road to success. However, inequality in sport persists in media coverage, sponsorship and pay, she added, part of a systemic problem that Parliament is working hard to uproot. President Metsola said it is up to each one … Read more
WHEN: Thursday 7 March from 9:00 to 12:30 CET WHERE: European Parliament in Brussels, ANTALL building, room 4Q1. The annual inter-parliamentary committee meeting marking International Women’s Day (8 March) brings together MEPs and national MPs to discuss gender equality and women’s rights. This year’s theme is women in sport. Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee … Read more
