The European Parliament's Political group Renew Europe has called on EU institutions to launch the Simone Veil pact.
The group called on the European Parliament, the European Commission and the European Council to "adopt the most progressive measures in women's rights". Newly-appointed European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said she will support the Simone Veil pact.
Commenting on the declaration announced today, Stéphane Séjourné, President of Renew Europe, said, "Even though equality between women and men is a fundamental right enshrined in the European Treaties, it is far from a reality in many places in Europe. In today's declaration, our group calls for the need to preserve, promote and strengthen the rights of all European women at all levels under the support of the European institutions."
The group wants EU institutions to make a clear commitment to the principles of sexual and reproductive rights, combatting violence against women, enhancing political representation and ensuring gender equality in family life and work.
"To make these rights a reality for women on our continent, we want the European Commission to identify the most effective legislation to encourage their introduction and application in Member States or, if suitable, propose it at the European level," the group said. "Following this, we ask Member States to introduce the most relevant measures identified by the European Commission into its legislation," it added.
The group also called on the European Parliament to annually monitor the implementation of the commitments made by the national authorities and the European institutions. It also urge the European Council and the Council of the European Union to make gender equality a political priority for the European Union.
Samira Rafaela, Renew Europe's coordinator on the Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) Committee, said, "Our fight for equal rights for women is far from over. There is a bitter conservative wind blowing through Europe, opposing anything that contributes to the advancement of women's rights. The Simon Veil Pact is our commitment to all women and girls in Europe. We stand by you and we will continue our fight for equality."
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author's view. The European Parliament is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.
