MEPs Frances Fitzgerald and Evin Incir will brief journalists on why a consent-based definition of rape must be included in legislation on combating violence against women.
The European Parliament is currently negotiating with the Council to reach a deal on new EU rules to combat violence against women and domestic violence, the Directive on Violence against women and domestic violence.
Today, women in Europe have different levels of protection from the crime of rape. Some EU countries object to including a consent-based definition of rape in the rules on legal or political grounds.
The MEPs leading the negotiations on behalf of the European Parliament, Frances Fitzgerald (EPP, Ireland) and Evin Incir (S and D, Sweden), will explain why a consent-based definition of rape must be included in any legislation on combating violence against women, and why EU countries must change their position and include non-consensual sex, i.e. rape in the directive, to secure equal protection for all women in the EU.
When: Thursday 26 October, 16.30-17.15 (Cyprus time)
Where: online and via Webex.
The programme is available here. The briefing will be in English.
Information for the media
Journalists wishing to participate can register via EU Survey (information required: name, media and email address). Once you have registered, you will be sent a link to join the meeting.
Further information
Steps of the procedure
EP press release: Combating violence against women: MEPs ready to negotiate on draft EU directive (12.07.2023)
The European Commission's proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating violence against women and domestic violence
Briefing EP Think Tank: Combating violence against women and domestic violence (08.03.2023)
Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
Natalie Kate KONTOULIS
Press Officer
(+32) 2 28 43562 (BXL)
(+32) 470 88 37 82
EP_GenderEqual
Kyriakos KLOSIDIS
Press Officer
(+32) 2 28 32357 (BXL)
(+33) 3 881 74651 (STR)
(+32) 470 96 47 35
EP_Justice
Thea PIERIDOU
Press Officer
European Parliament
Office in Cyprus
30 Vyronos Avenue - 1096 Nicosia
97 665992
22 870500 / 22 396485
Source: Cyprus News Agency