The European Parliament has adopted a report by Croatian MEP Marko Vešligaj (S&D) calling for an ambitious Gender Equality Strategy for 2026–2030. The report outlines legislative and non-legislative measures to ensure full gender equality across the EU.
The report passed with 310 votes in favor, 222 against, and 68 abstentions. It calls for recognizing access to safe and legal abortion as a fundamental right and defining rape based on consent, meaning that the absence of explicit consent would constitute a criminal offense.
Combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
The Parliament urged the European Commission to classify gender-based violence as a serious cross-border crime and to recognize femicide as a separate criminal offense. Member States that have not yet ratified the Istanbul Convention are encouraged to do so.
The report also calls for strengthening mechanisms to protect women and LGBTIQ+ persons and ensuring the full implementation of EU equality laws.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
The report demands that the right to safe and legal abortion be included in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and that all EU citizens have equal access to sexual and reproductive health care. It also encourages the Commission to reduce gender gaps in employment, wages, and pensions.
Political Division and Conservative Opposition
While socialist, democratic, and liberal groups supported the report, conservative and far-right parties opposed it, calling it ideologically driven.
Croatian EPP members were divided: Tomislav Sokol, Karlo Ressler, Željana Zovko, and Davor Ivo Stier voted against, while Sunčana Glavak and Nikolina Brnjac abstained.
Sokol described the report as “an extremist document promoting a culture of death,” arguing that it could undermine the right to conscientious objection and impose ideological norms on Member States.
Vešligaj: “Gender Equality Is Non-Negotiable”
Marko Vešligaj welcomed the adoption as “a victory for all EU women.” “Gender equality is not up for negotiation—it is the foundation of democracy and human dignity,” he said.
He highlighted support for the My Voice, My Choice initiative, backed by over one million Europeans, stressing that every woman in Europe must have access to safe and legal abortion regardless of where she lives.
Next Steps for the Commission
The European Commission’s Women’s Rights Plan, presented earlier this year, served as the basis for the upcoming strategy. Vešligaj welcomed the initiative but emphasized the need for more concrete measures. The Commission is expected to present the new Gender Equality Strategy by early 2026.
