Commissioner Hadja Lahbib Proposes EU-wide Enforcement and Support Measures to Eradicate Violence Against Women by 2030

EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib delivered a speech on March 13, 2025, at the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, reaffirming her commitment to combat violence against women and girls. Lahbib announced concrete policy measures centered on implementing and enforcing the EU Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence, which criminalizes common forms of cyber-violence and mandates national action plans across Member States.

Strengthening EU Legal Framework and Support Systems The Commissioner highlighted the EU's accession to the Istanbul Convention, cementing a collective legal obligation to protect victims and prosecute perpetrators. She detailed ongoing funding of approximately €25 million annually for women’s specialist services such as shelters and helplines. This funding reinforces the Directive’s goals by providing practical support to survivors, while also emphasizing prevention and justice access.

Global and Regional Cooperation Efforts Lahbib positioned the EU as a global leader, spearheading initiatives like the €500 million EU-UN Spotlight Initiative and the ACT programme targeting advocacy and feminist action in Africa and Latin America. These programs aim to strengthen civil society and policy advocacy beyond EU borders, reflecting a broad geopolitical stance to combat gender violence.

Policy Orientations and Stakeholder Impacts The speech signals a clear stance towards increasing EU powers in enforcing gender-based violence laws, promoting standardized and enhanced legal protections across Member States, thus reducing national sovereignty in this domain. National authorities are tasked with developing enforceable action plans, heightening regulatory oversight.

Business sectors may experience indirect impacts such as compliance with anti-cyber-violence laws, potentially elevating operational responsibilities. Women’s rights organizations and service providers stand to benefit significantly from increased funding and policy attention, enabling expanded service delivery. EU survivors of gender-based violence are expected to gain stronger protections and improved access to justice, although effectiveness will hinge on national implementation.

Lahbib’s discourse balances between legally binding commitments and practical funding measures, mapping a detailed path forward rather than mere symbolic affirmation, and aiming at systemic change through a mix of heightened regulation, resource allocation, and international cooperation.