Shining a light on an urgent global crisis, EU Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib addressed the International Conference against Femicide on November 21, 2025, underscoring the deep societal roots of gender-based violence and presenting a multi-faceted approach to combat it within the European Union.
Recognizing the entrenched patriarchal norms as the underlying cause of violence against women, Lahbib emphasized that true prevention hinges on "psycho-emotional education," a method aimed at transforming behaviours from early on through cooperation among families, schools, and public institutions. This marks a significant policy orientation towards cultural and educational shifts rather than solely legal reforms.
Concrete EU initiatives were highlighted, including the recent accession to the Istanbul Convention, committing the EU to its high-standard legal framework against violence. The establishment of a Network on the Prevention of Gender-Based and Domestic Violence in November 2023 is designed to coordinate efforts among Member States and key partners, enhancing cross-national cooperation at an institutional level.
Furthermore, a legally binding Directive from 2024 sets uniform rules across Member States to strengthen prevention, protection, and victim support. The forthcoming Gender Equality Strategy, guided by the Roadmap for Women's Rights and backed politically by all 27 EU countries, promises continued priority and structured efforts over the next five years.
EU regulatory bodies and national authorities are tasked with implementing and coordinating prevention networks and psycho-emotional education programs, increasing institutional responsibilities and potential budgets. Women and civil society organizations stand to benefit from improved legal protections and intensified funding, notably through the Daphne initiative's sustained €400 million investment supporting grassroots projects.
Conversely, educational institutions and public bodies may face increased operational demands to integrate psycho-emotional curricula and awareness programs, which could challenge existing resources. Some Member States might grapple with harmonizing diverse cultural norms under EU-wide legal standards, presenting administrative and political complexities.
Commissioner Lahbib's speech firmly positions the fight against femicide as a comprehensive societal issue necessitating a blend of legal, educational, and cultural measures—pointing towards increased EU coordination and intervention balanced with local action. This approach seeks to reconcile the cleavage between strengthening EU-level obligations and respecting national implementation capabilities, aiming for systemic change in gender equality and safety across Europe.
← Atlas › News › Family, Inclusion and Equal opportunities