The EU received over 513 000 asylum applications in the first half of 2024. One third of asylum seekers are women and girls. The EU’s asylum system incorporates gender-sensitive elements, and the Court of Justice of the EU has recognised gender-based violence as grounds for asylum. Despite these advances, more efforts are needed to address the human rights challenges women and girls face in asylum procedures.

The gender dimension of asylum claims in the EU

At a glance: EU Leaders head to Warsaw for Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU prep; the Subcommittee on Security and Defence will meet the first EU Defence Commissioner and a landmark EU survey on violence against women released.

News in Brief – 04/12/2024 - English

At a glance: President Metsola calls for stronger EU action to end violence against women; Parliament reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression; MEPs to discuss strengthening children’s rights on 35th anniversary of UN convention.

News in Brief – 27/11/2024 - English

At a glance: a new European Parliament plenary session kicks off in Strasbourg today; Parliament and the Commission discuss the crisis in the Middle East; MEPs to debate Baltic Sea infrastructure sabotage and address violence against women.

News in Brief – 25/11/2024 - English

At a glance: the informal European Council meeting in Brussels; EU Environment Council adopts the Nature Restoration Law; and International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

News in Brief – 19/06/2024 - English

At a glance: the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women; the EU Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities; and a new law to improve air quality.

News in Brief – 29/04/2024 - English

Women continue to be under-represented in EU countries at all levels of political decision-making as well as in political parties. The origins of this situation are complex, but one reason stands out: violence against women active in politics discourages many women from entering the political arena. Women politicians are exposed to two severe and intersecting forms of violence: political violence and gender-based violence. Violence against women in politics takes multiple forms, from physical attacks to psychological and symbolic abuse, including sexual and sexist comments, online hate speech and sexual harassment, etc.

EPRS Policy Podcast - Violence against women active in politics in the EU: A serious obstacle to political participation

Міжнародний жіночий день відзначається щорічно 8 березня, щоб вшанувати досягнення жінок і привернути увагу до прав жінок. Це нагода підвищити рівень обізнаності про такі питання, як гендерна рівність, репродуктивні права, боротьба з насильством та жорстоким поводженням з жінками. Рівність між жінками і чоловіками завжди була однією з основних цінностей і цілей Європейського Союзу, але поставлена мета все ще не досягнута повністю.

Як ЄС бореться за права жінок

Israel is a key and strategic ally of the European Union. Political, economic and social cooperation - as well as trade, cultural and scientific exchanges - with Israel date almost to the origins of the EU itself.&nbsp;

President of the EP Roberta Metsola reacted to the attacks launched by Hamas on Israel&nbsp;during the first weekend of October by stressing that the EP condemned&nbsp;&nbsp;the terror and violence waged against innocent people.

In the statement by MEPs David McAllister and Antonio López-Istúriz White declared:

“We follow with utmost concern the news of terrible violence in Israel. We strongly condemn the heinous attack launched against Israel by Hamas terrorists on this Sabbath morning. We affirm the right of Israel to defend itself, and express our solidarity with Israel in these difficult moments.

We must not let opponents of peace ruin the chances of reconciliation and peaceful co-existence in Israel and Palestine. We call on all partners for peace to be present and active in order to bring the peace process back on track.”

EU - Israel

The United Nations defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life."

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, also known as the Istanbul Convention, is the first legally binding international instrument on this issue. It establishes a comprehensive framework of measures for preventing such violence, supporting victims and punishing perpetrators.&nbsp;

MEPs have voted during May 2023 plenary to approve the European Union’s accession to the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, concluding Parliament’s role in the process. Six years after the EU signed the Istanbul Convention - it has still not been ratified because of the refusal of a few member states, despite&nbsp;Parliament’s multiple calls to this end.

However, the EU&nbsp;Court of Justice’s opinion of 6 October 2021&nbsp;confirmed that the European Union can ratify the Istanbul Convention without having the agreement of all member states. The Court found that the appropriate scope for the EU’s accession is asylum, judicial cooperation in criminal matters, and obligations of the EU institutions and public administration.

The EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention does not exempt member states from ratifying it themselves, MEPs have repeatedly said, urging the remaining six countries - Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia - to ratify the Convention without delay, so that it can protect women to the full extent of the Convention’s intended scope

Violence against women

Europe’s Jewish population has been diminishing in recent decades, and a growing number of anti-Semitic acts and anti-Jewish violence have been occurring in recent years in the EU. In defence of its values, including respect for minorities, the EU undertakes and funds actions to counter anti-Semitism.

Jewish communities in the European Union

President Metsola opened the 10-13 February 2025 session with a minute’s silence for the victims of shooting in Örebro - the worst in Sweden’s history. Calling on MEPs to observe a minute’s silence for the victims of the mass shooting at Risbergska school in Örebro on Tuesday 4 February 2025, President Metsola called the tragedy “a senseless act of violence that claimed innocent lives, shattering families, and scarring communities. Europe mourns those who have been lost, and our thoughts are with their loved ones, with all those who have been injured, and with the people of Sweden in this moment of profound sorrow.” She added that “hatred and violence have no place in Europe. T

he values that unite us - peace, democracy, and the dignity of human life - will always prevail.”

EU Sweden

For many years, Sweden had chosen to remain outside the European construction. It was in the 1990s that the idea of membership was born, being in the interest of the country to participate in the decisions that affect Sweden due to its geographical and economic situation.&nbsp;The official application for membership happened in July 1991. Extensive negotiations were undertaken and after a referendum that gave a majority in favour of the accession, Sweden joined the EU in 1995. Sweden has 20 seats in the European Parliament and 10 votes in the EU Council.

EU - Sweden

Four women fighting for freedom, peace and justice in their home countries – from Belarus, leader of the country's democratic forces Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and Palina Sharenda Panasiuk; and Lenie Umerova and Tata Kepler from Ukraine – have all been invited to address plenary., Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’ democratic forces, 

will speak to MEPs at a solemn session on Tuesday at noon. 

In the early afternoon, MEPs and Council and Commission representatives will debate the Commission’s “Roadmap for Women’s Rights” (expected to be adopted by the Commission on Friday 7 March). The discussion is expected to focus on the EU’s role in safeguarding and advancing women’s rights and the principles and measures outlined in the Roadmap. Key issues will include the implementation of EU legislation, such as the first ever EU rules to combat violence against women, the rules on improving gender balance on corporate boards, and binding pay transparency measures. MEPs are also likely to discuss the need for women’s equal participation in the economy and society, including in politics, and the impact of shifting political dynamics on women’s rights and gender equality.

International Women's Day Celebration

During an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, addresses the situation in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy emphasizes that this moment marks a historic opportunity for the Syrian people to rebuild their nation based on dignity, freedom, and justice, and for a Syrian-led and inclusive dialogue to ensure a peaceful transition, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

The EU pledges support for Syria’s territorial integrity, the protection of minorities, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Kallas stresses the importance of avoiding further violence and upholding international humanitarian law. The EU remains committed to working with international partners and supporting UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen in facilitating Syria’s transition toward stability and democracy.

Extraordinary AFET (committee on Foreign Affairs) meeting, exchange of views with Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the situation in Syria

MEPs and the Commission discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages.

With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. According to UN sources, the number of aid shipments into the Gaza Strip is now lower than at any time over the past year and there is “a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip.” MEPs will also discuss the essential role of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA in the region. In his statement of 1 November 2024, EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell emphasised UNRWA's life-saving work in Gaza.

MEPs adopted a number of resolutions in the last 12 months, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

Continued escalation in the Middle East: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages

MEPs discuss the state of play and emerging trends in the combat against violence against women within the EU and internationally. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs highlight the persistence of gender-based violence across the world and call on the new Commission to act. They underscore the need to fully implement existing EU legislation and stand firm in the face of a growing backlash against gender equality and women’s rights.  

In April 2024, the European Parliament approved the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. Member states have until 14 June 2027 to make the necessary changes in their national legislation. With support from the European Parliament, on 1 October 2023 the EU joined the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

FEMM - Hearing: Image based sexual violence in the context of AI and social media specifically exploring the role of undressing apps and the responsibilities of platforms

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting Hearing on Image based sexual violence in the context of AI and social media specifically exploring the role of undressing apps and the

FEMM

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting Exchange of views with Pramila Patten, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict

Press conference by Hilde VAUTMANS (RE, BE), chair of UE/ACP delegation and Denis MUKWEGE, 2014 Sakharov Prize and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, on combating sexual violence in the DRC and beyond

Toppling of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region

Crackdown on peaceful pro-European demonstrators in Georgia

Resumption of the sitting

Award of the Sakharov Prize (formal sitting)

Amendment of the agenda

Voting time

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe

Request for consultation of the European Economic and Social Committee (Rule 151) (consent)

Corrigenda (Rule 251) (action taken)

Use of rape as weapon of war, in particular in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan

Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine

The situation in Mayotte following the devastating cyclone Chido and the need for solidarity (debate)

Situation of female politicians in EU candidate and neighbouring countries facing harassment and cyber violence (debate)

Towards a shared vision for European tourism, its sustainable growth and brand Europe

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Elimination of violence against women and their empowerment in the digital world

Resumption of the session

Opening of the sitting

Statement by the President

Approval of the minutes of the previous sittings

Composition of committees and delegations

Corrigenda (Rule 251)

Signature of acts adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (Rule 81)

Order of business

The outcome of the G20 Leaders' Summit

Outcome of the UN Biodiversity Conference 2024 in Cali, Colombia (COP16)

Condemning the illegal unilateral declaration of independence of the secessionist entity in Cyprus and all efforts to legitimise it and reaffirming the need for European solidarity - 41 years after

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

EP Plenary session - Rise in violence and the deepening humanitarian crisis in South Sudan

FEMM - Exchange of views with Pramila Patten, Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict and Under-Secretary-General

FEMM Committee - Istanbul Convention - presentation by GREVIO (Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence)

Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly - Exchange of views on Sharing international responsibility for protecting victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Press conference on combating sexual violence in the DRC and beyond

FEMM & D-BR - Exchange of Views in association with EP Delegation for Relations with Brazil on Women in Politics and the Fight Against Violence

EP Plenary session - Escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

EP Plenary session - Escalation of gang violence in Sweden and strengthening the fight against organised crime

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, opens the plenary session in Strasbourg with a statement condemning the recent tragic events—the killing in Austria and the stabbing in French school. In her remarks, she expresses solidarity with the victims, their families, and the affected communities, underscoring the European Parliament's commitment to standing united against violence. Following her statement, Members of the European Parliament observe a minute of silence in the hemicycle to honor the victims. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on the killing in Austria and the stabbing in French school, followed by a minute of silence

EP President Roberta METSOLA visits the Kilometro Rosso innovation district in Bergamo (Italy). She addresses the press with Antonio TAJANI, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to conclude her journey in Italy. She pays tribute to the women victim of domestic violence. She emphasizes that innovation and cooperation in this field are essential to tackling global challenges and enhancing Europe’s competitiveness.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Italy - Visit to Kilometro Rosso innovation district in Bergamo (Italy): extracts from the doorstep Statement with Antonio TAJANI, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Hilde VAUTMANS (RE, BE), Chair of UE/ACP delegation and Denis MUKWEGE, 2014 Sakharov Prize and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, hold a press conference on combating sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and beyond. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Hilde VAUTMANS (RE, BE), Chair of UE/ACP delegation and Denis MUKWEGE, 2014 Sakharov Prize and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, on combating sexual violence in the DRC and beyond

MEPs vote on : MRs - Democracy and human rights in Thailand, notably the lese-majesty law and the deportation of Uyghur refugees MRs - Severe political, humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan, in particular the sexual violence and child rape MRs - Unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan MRs - Social and employment aspects of restructuring processes: the need to protect jobs and workers’ rights

Votes

Votes on motions for resolution - Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye - Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular - Continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu - Further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (debate: 21/01/2025) - Escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Voting Session

This infoclip shows images of María Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela's democratic forces, and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia during the election campaign in Venezuela. It also highlights scenes of protests against police violence, with demonstrators holding candles and posters in honor of the victims. The European Parliament awards the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, with its EUR 50 000 endowment, at a formal plenary sitting in Strasbourg in December.

Infoclip: María Corina MACHADO, leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela, Edmundo GONZALEZ URRUTIA, Venezuelan President-elect and the Venezuelan opposition movement Sakharov Prize 2024 laureate

MEPs and the the Commission will discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages. With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. According to UN sources, the number of aid shipments into the Gaza Strip is now lower than at any time over the past year and there is “a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip”. Closing statements by Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region and the need to release all hostages: Closing statements by Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms

MEPs and the the Commission will discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, the role of UNRWA, and the need to release all hostages. With violence in the Middle East intensifying with Israel’s attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah targets in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, humanitarian organizations are warning of the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. According to UN sources, the number of aid shipments into the Gaza Strip is now lower than at any time over the past year and there is “a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip.”

4,157 results

Topics (15)

Events (8)

Streaming (66)

Videos (295)

Photoset (149)

Photos (3,606)

Audios (18)