On 9 October, the European Parliament highlighted the EU’s new Roadmap for Women’s Rights and held a debate on the Declaration of Principles for a Gender-Equal Society. With the next Gender Equality Strategy due in March 2026, the debate offered a timely opportunity to discuss the EU’s path toward gender equality.

The Declaration outlines core principles including freedom from violence, equal healthcare, fair pay, and employment opportunities. MEPs stressed the need for strong Commission action and close monitoring of women’s rights across member states.

The discussion continued on 13 October 2025, when the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) adopted its own-initiative report titled “Gender Equality Strategy 2025.” In the document, Members urge the European Commission to propose a far-reaching EU Gender Equality Strategy for 2026–2030, featuring clear legislative initiatives and complementary policy actions.

The report highlights the need for stronger measures to tackle gender-based violence, improve access to healthcare, ensure equal opportunities in the labour market, and boost women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles.

Rapporteur Marko Vešligaj (Croatia, S&D) underscored that the report represents a determined call for tangible progress in defending equality at a time when women’s and girls’ rights face increasing pressure.

While the document spans a broad range of equality issues, ENGSO deplores that it does not include specific references to sport. In the summer 2025, ENGSO contributed to the open consultation process launched by the European Commission to feedback on the implementation of the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 in grassroots sport. Read more on ENGSO’s Position on Gender Equality (2023).