The European Parliament has endorsed a non-legislative report on the 2025 Gender Equality Strategy, urging the European Commission to unveil a far-reaching 2026–2030 plan by March 2026. Parliamentarians insist that the next strategy must introduce concrete actions to strengthen women’s rights, improve safety, and advance equality throughout the Union.

They are seeking the formal recognition of gender-based violence as an EU-level crime and want EU legislation to define rape on the basis of consent. The report also presses for femicide to be treated as a standalone criminal offence and for all EU governments to finally ratify the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women.

Additionally, MEPs call for guaranteed, gender-sensitive healthcare for all — including the recognition of safe, legal abortion as a fundamental right — and for robust initiatives to eliminate wage and pension inequalities. The report further urges heightened protection of women’s and LGBTIQ+ communities in light of growing democratic regression in parts of Europe.