On 9 October, the European Parliament endorsed a new EU roadmap for Women’s Rights and declaration of principles for a gender-equal society. First proposed by the European Commission on 7 March, the roadmap is the foundation for the EU’s next gender equality strategy.
Key principles include protecting women from violence both online and offline, full access to quality healthcare – including sexual and reproductive care – financial independence through equal pay and opportunities and genuine representation in public life.
The reality is that women’s rights are under threat globally, and this must be the starting point for real, lasting change. Renew Europe called on the European Commission to turn these principles into grounded policy that works for women on a day-to-day basis.
The EU’s renewed commitment could not be timelier, given the global rollback on women's rights, from reproductive freedoms to a shrinking civic space. Renew Europe urged the EU to assume a global leadership role on equality, and send a clear message that Europe will continue to defend women’s rights and freedoms.
Abir Al-Sahlani MEP (Centerpartiet, SE), Renew Europe Coordinator for the European Parliament Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality urged further action:
“Renew Europe will keep pressing the Commission until women see real change in their wallets, in their safety and in decision-making. Because right now, women earn on average 13% less than men, they hold just 33% of seats in national parliaments and one in three has faced violence. That reality costs our societies an estimated €289 billion every year.”
Renew Europe has vowed to hold the European Commission accountable as the declaration moves towards inter-institutional endorsement ahead of 16 October. Principles are not enough on their own. Europeans need real, actionable policy that makes a difference for women’s lives on the ground.
Photo: European Union 2025