Hadja Lahbib

Policy topics Hadja Lahbib is active on

What Hadja Lahbib has said (80)

• 2026-07-14 “E-001140/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission, through the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 1 is committed to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities, including women and girls 2 . Among its flagship initiatives and actions, the Guidance on independent living 3 provides recommendations on the use of EU funds for inclusion in the community, encouraging Member States to take appropriate measures to tackle unequal access and barriers faced by women in accessing social services, and to include a gender perspective in policies to support deinstitutionalisation. The Communication on Enhancing the Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities up to 2030 4 further reinforces an intersectional dimension, whereby, for instance, the Commission commits to launch a study on violence against women with disabilities in the EU. Promoting accessibility, as an enabler of rights for persons with disabilities – including women – to fully participate in society, remains a key priority. The European Accessibility Act 5 will ensure that key products and services are accessible to persons with disabilities 6 . The Violence Against Women Directive 7 acknowledges that women with disabilities disproportionately experience violence. When an offence has been committed against a person with a disability, that fact alone can be regarded as an aggravating circumstance. The Directive requires Member States to provide targeted support for victims with intersectional needs, and to ensure that such support (including specialist support, helplines for victims, shelters) can accommodate victims with disabilities. Member States are also required to issue guidelines for law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities, including on how to treat victims in a disability-sensitive manner. 1 Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52021DC0101. 2 The Strategy promotes an intersectional perspective to address the specific needs of persons with disabilities experiencing multiple and overlapping forms of disadvantage, such as women, children, older persons and refugees, as well as those with invisible disabilities. 3 Guidance on independent living and inclusion in the community of persons with disabilities in the context of EU funding, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/7188/oj/eng. 4 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/disability/enhancingstrategy-rights-persons-disabilities-2030_en. 5 Directive (EU) 2019/882 on the accessibility requirements for products and services, with transposition deadline on 28 June 2025, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019L0882. 6 Such as phones, computers, banking and payment services. 7 Directive (EU) 2024/1385, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/oj/eng.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion · EU policy on disability inclusion & accessibility
• 2026-07-13 “E-000232/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission continuously monitors the transposition and application of Directive 2010/41/EU 1 in Member States. Based on the available information, the Commission does not have evidence indicating systemic non-compliance across the EU. At the same time, the situation in the Member States is evolving as national frameworks develop. Where questions arise regarding the completeness or correctness of transposition, the Commission may engage in bilateral exchanges with the Member States concerned, including through dialogues or formal procedures, to clarify national measures and ensure full compliance with EU law, both in the substance of relevant legislation and in its practical application. At present, the Commission is engaged in an ongoing informal exchange with one Member State and continues to monitor implementation across all Member States. Furthermore, as announced in the Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 2 , the Commission will conduct a stress test 3 of Directive 2010/41/EU with the aim of identifying why the Directive is currently under-used even though gender equality challenges persist in that area. In addition, the Commission will carry out a study on the rights to family-related leave that are granted to self-employed persons to accompany the implementation report on the Work-Life Balance Directive 4 . 1 Directive 2010/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and repealing Council Directive 86/613/EEC, http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2010/41/oj. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/genderequality/gender-equality-strategy_en#gender-equality-strategy-2026-2030. 3 A stress test is a structured screening of legislation to ensure that it remains relevant, proportionate, and fit to achieve its objectives. 4 Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU, http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/1158/oj.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion · EU competences on social policies
• 2026-07-10 “We are here because we all have something in common: we believe that health security is not the job of one institution or one sector. It is all our responsibility. Last month, I went to Bunia, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the heart of the Ebola outbreak. I wanted the people there, and our partners, to see the European Union standing by their side in a moment of crisis, not just with words, but with action. We delivered over 400 tonnes of medical supplies and supported the response from the earliest days. But being there, alongside the doctors, nurses, first responders, and humanitarian workers, showed something no report can ever capture. I saw exactly what it takes for aid to reach people. A response built in real time, under pressure. It left me with one clear takeaway: a policy is only worth what it delivers for those in need. That is the whole point of our Medical Countermeasures Strategy. We are building Europe's capacity to prepare for and respond to health emergencies, so that we can anticipate and prevent health crises, and when the moment comes, that treatments and vaccines reach people. Here is what that looks like in practice: • Strengthening research and innovation, • Cooperating more with Member States, industry, and civil society, • Scaling up crisis procurement through initiatives like RAMP UP, • New funding through HERA Invest, • Wider surveillance through the EU Wastewater Sentinel System, • And stress tests of our readiness through real exercises. We have made real progress, but being prepared is not something you fix once and forget. It is about seeking constant improvement. That is why I am here today. To listen, to share ideas, and to make ourselves stronger together. I want to hear what is still standing in our way. What would make this work better? Industry representatives, tell us where are the bottlenecks that affect manufacturing and supply chains. Healthcare workers, tell us what challenges you encounter on the front line. Researchers, tell us where the real gaps in our knowledge are. And how we can support innovation. Civil society, tell us how to reach the people that get left behind. The last few years changed how we think about health emergencies. Preparedness is not a luxury reserved for the moment a crisis hits. It is an investment made well in advance. The real test is not what is written in a strategy document. It is what happens the day the next emergency strikes. Can we coordinate across borders and sectors? Can factories ramp up production fast enough? Can our health systems get treatments to the people who need them? Can a hospital in a small town get the same treatment as one in a capital city? No single government can answer that alone. We need everyone on board. Companies innovating and producing; doctors and nurses turning lab results into patient care; researchers generating the evidence to act on; civil society building trust; and international cooperation helping us respond to threats that spread beyond borders. Each piece is vital. They are all links in the same chain. Today is not just about talking. It is where those strong links are forged. As policymakers, our job is to clear the path for innovation, while keeping public health at the heart of every decision, to tear down the barriers that slow implementation, and to build cooperation across sectors and across borders. So tell us what is working, tell us what is not working, help us build something better. The next health emergency will surely come. Our job is to make sure that when it hits, Europe is ready and able to protect the people who need us.”
  EU funding and budget allocation for health programmes
• 2026-07-09 “Imagine being a 15-year-old girl. Someone copies a photo from your social media profile. They upload it to an AI app. Minutes later, explicit images of you are racing across the Internet to friends, family, complete strangers. Images you never agreed to and that you cannot take back. This is not science fiction. It is happening to girls and women across Europe and across the world. Countless lives thrown into despair. In the EU, one in five women has experienced online violence. Among young women, it is one in four. This could be your daughter, your sister, your colleague, silenced, humiliated, pushed out of public life. That is what "Harnessing the Digital Transformation for All" looks like in real life for too many women and girls today. Digital technology is bursting with potential. Creating opportunity and tearing down walls that have held women back for generations. But without the right guardrails, it can also destroy a life in seconds. Digital technology is not automatically fair. We have to build it that way. Our aspiration is for the European Union to remain a lighthouse for women's rights across the world. We recently adopted our Gender Equality Strategy for the next five years, and we made a clear choice: digital transformation is a top priority. If women and girls are shut out of digital skills and digital leadership, every inequality we are trying to fix gets worse, not better. We have a clear goal: to build a Europe that works for everyone in the digital age, not just a select few. Here is how we are doing that. We are making online spaces fairer and safer. For people to participate, they must feel safe. For too many women, going online means stepping into a dangerous Wild West of stalking, harassment, hate speech, and image-based abuse. Women activists, journalists, and politicians are targeted because they are visible. The goal is to push us out. I know this personally. As journalist, Foreign Minister, and European Commissioner, I have faced it every day just like many of you. But we are pushing back. Our Directive on Violence against Women tackles cyber violence directly, and we are enforcing the Digital Services Act to hold platforms accountable. Through Horizon Europe, we are funding research into how anti-gender disinformation spreads and how to stop it. Men and boys are part of this too. The toxic narratives pulling young men toward hatred and misogyny are real and well-funded, so we are confronting them in schools, communities, and with civil society. This brings me to the technology defining this moment: Artificial Intelligence. Trillions of dollars are flowing into AI across the world. This is not just a system upgrade. It is a Big Bang moment. A rupture in how we work, how we live, and how power is distributed. It can be a real breakthrough for women. AI can help detect diseases earlier, tailor healthcare to women's needs, and open new markets for women entrepreneurs. The potential is vast but only if women help shape it from the start. That is a big “if”. AI trained on biased data produces biased outcomes. The data on AI-generated abuse is stark: 98% of AI-manipulated images are pornographic. 99% of those depict women. The European Union is taking action against this. Our AI Act bans manipulative and deceptive AI and requires platforms to remove illegal content. It is designed to root out gender bias in algorithms. Last month, we went further by banning nudification apps. Any AI system that generates intimate images of a real person without their consent is now prohibited from the EU market. Providers have until December to bring their systems in line. The message is simple: No technology can override your body, your image, your consent. And we will enforce it. But laws alone are not enough. We also need women building these technologies. If women are missing from the design table, bias gets coded into the system and then scaled up globally. Technology is never neutral. It reflects human choices about power and about who matters most. In Europe, we have made our choice: rights first, fairness built in from the start. And because of the size of our market, these are not just European rules, they can help set the global standard. Safety is necessary, but it is not enough. We need women in the rooms where digital decisions are made, in STEM, in AI research, and in tech boardrooms. There are still too few women, and this has consequences for the technology we all use. So we are launching an Action Plan on Women in Research, Innovation and Startups to get more women in the lab and in the boardroom. Our goal is to make Europe the top destination for women in these fields by 2030. Our Girls Go STEM initiative has a concrete target: one million girls in STEM careers by 2028. None of us can do this alone. The OECD produces reliable data on what works. The EU turns evidence into policy for our 450 million people. That is a powerful partnership, and we should deepen it. Together we can build AI governance that works for women, strengthens women's digital inclusion, tackles online violence, and makes sure the digital economy creates opportunities instead of widening inequalities. Allow me to end where I began, with that 15-year-old girl. She did not ask to be part of this conversation, but she is, and so are millions like her. The technology to destroy her childhood exists now. But so do the laws, the standards, and the partnerships that can stop it. The only question is: do we have the will to use them? Today we must ask ourselves: what kind of digital world are we building for this young woman? A world where any stranger can weaponise her image in seconds? Or one where her ideas and her ambition are what define her future? That is our choice today. Let's make sure we get it right.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2026-07-08 “Europe is the fasted-warming continent on the planet. We are experiencing the impact of this scientific reality in our daily lives from record heatwaves and droughts to devastating wildfires. This year has again broken records. Only weeks after historically high temperatures in June, another major heatwave is approaching. The consequences of the recent heatwave were grave. Labour productivity went down, schools were shut, workplaces closed, hospitals overwhelmed, roads damaged, rail tracks buckled, and crops ravaged. People paid the highest price: at least 3,500 fatalities could be attributed to the June heatwave. On the 3 July, France reported more than 2,000 excess deaths from last week of June, and these are only preliminary estimates. To date, there has been no activation of the UCPM related to heatwaves emergencies. Heatwaves increase wildfire danger. Last year, more than one million hectares burned across the EU, the highest figure ever recorded, triggering 19 requests for assistance from the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. This is the largest number ever. This year, the wildfire season started unusually early, with two activations of the Mechanism already in late April and early May. This requires swift action. The Commission has already taken a range of actions in the area of prevention, preparedness, response and restoration. While national authorities remain primarily responsible for civil protection, the Commission supports Member States across the entire disaster cycle. The EU invests in science, technology and innovation to monitor drought conditions, improve early detection and enable faster action, notably through Copernicus emergency Management services. We also promote prevention through analytical tools, peer reviews, funding, cross-border cooperation and the exchange of best practices. In March 2026, the Commission adopted a Communication, complemented by a Council Recommendation on Wildfire Risk Management. Together with Member States, we will develop implementation guidelines and an EU funding portal for integrated wildfire risk management, improve data, raise population awareness and support international engagement. We have also reinforced operational preparedness. Through rescEU and the European Civil Protection Pool, 22 firefighting aircrafts, five helicopters, and 22 certified ground firefighting teams are available across 10 countries. In addition, 777 firefighters from 14 countries are pre-positioned in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. Following the lessons learned from the last summer, we have strengthened our response capacities in the south of our Union with a new European regional firefighting station in Cyprus. This will allow us to take immediate action when needs arise. In recent days, Portugal and France asked for assistance due to severe wildfires. In response, 9 rescEU airplanes were deployed – 3 to Portugal and 6 to France. The European Union Solidarity Fund also remains important, providing financial support to Member States and accession countries affected by natural disasters, and helping them address the burden of emergency and recovery measures. Cohesion Policy and funding play a crucial role in strengthening resilience, combining prevention and preparedness before disasters strike, as well as reconstruction. The Recovery and Resilience Facility includes investments and reforms aimed at increasing resilience to natural disasters. Finally, we are also preparing a new European Integrated Framework for Climate Resilience, which we expect to adopt later of this year. The road ahead is a difficult one but through cooperation, engagement and solidarity, Europe will move towards a collective and clear objective: To raise the protection of our citizens and our territories against the growing and challenging risk landscape.”
  EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.)
• 2026-07-08 “(11:59:15 - 12:00:30): Thank you, Madam President. I will be very brief in one minute. I just want to to correct some information. First of all, thank you for this very hot debate. The EU must be an added value. Some of you said. And this is exactly the spirit of the preparedness strategy that we presented last year. And I would like to add that it is not a strategy that started last year, but the rescue capacities, the the CC or Coordination Center for emergency exists since 2000. So we didn't start it last year from scratches. Our rescue capacities must be a permanent reserve. Some of you said it is a permanent reserve. It is not during the summer that we activate. This is a reserve that we can activate when member states are overwhelmed. And we have, through the rescue and the European Civil Protection Pool, 22 firefighting aircraft, five helicopters, 22 certified ground firefighting teams are available across ten countries. So I would like to thank you for this strong debate, and I hope to have such a Commitment in the autumn while the temperature will go down and we will need you. Your support for the next MFF.”
  Climate policy
• 2026-07-08 “(10:04:53 - 10:09:57): Honorable members, just as minister Thomas Brent said, Europe is the fastest warming continent on the planet, and we are experiencing in our daily lives the impact of this scientific reality from record heat waves and droughts to devastating wildfires. This year has again broken records. Only weeks after historically high temperature in June, another major heat wave is approaching. The consequences of the recent heat wave were grave. Labor productivity went down, schools were shut, workplaces closed, hospitals overwhelmed, roads damaged, rail tracks buckled, and crops ravaged. And people paid the highest price. At least 3500 fatalities could be attributed to the June heat wave. On the July 3, France reported more than 2000 excess deaths from last week of June, and these are only preliminary estimates. To date, there has not been, activation of the UCPM related to heat wave emergencies. Honorable members, heat waves increase wildfire danger. Last year, more than 1,000,000 hectares burned across the EU, the highest figure ever recorded, triggering 19 requests for assistance from the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. This is the largest number ever. This year, the wildfire season started unusually early with 2 activation of the mechanism already in late July April, sorry, and early May. This requires swift action. The commission has already taken a range of actions in the area of prevention, preparedness, response, and restoration. While national authorities remain primarily responsible for civil protection, the commission supports member state across the entire disaster cycle. The EU invests in science, technology, and innovation to monitor drought conditions, improve early detection, and enable faster action. Notably, through Copernicus emergency management services, we also promote prevention through analytical tools, peer reviews, funding, cross border cooperation, and the exchange of best practices. Last March, the commission adopted a communication complemented by a council recommendation on wildfire risk management. Together with member states, we will develop implementation guidelines and an EU funding portal for integrated wildfire risk management, improve data, raise population awareness, and support international engagement. We have also reinforced operational preparedness through rescue and the European Civil Protection Pool, '22 firefighting aircrafts, 5 helicopters, and 22 certified ground firefighting teams are available across 10 countries. In addition, nearly 800 firefighters from 14 countries are prepositioned in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Following the lessons learned from the late last summer, we have strengthened our response capacity in the south of our union with a new European regional firefighting station in Cyprus so we can take immediate action when needs arise. In recent days, Portugal and France asked for assistance due to severe wildfires. In response, 9 rescue airplanes were deployed, 3 to Portugal and 6 to France. The European Union Solidarity Fund also remains important, providing financial support to member states and accession countries affected by natural disasters and helping them address the burden of emergency and recovery measures. Adding to this, cohesion policy and funding play a crucial role in strengthening resilience, combining prevention and preparedness before disaster strikes as well as reconstruction. And the recovery and resilience facility includes investment and reforms aimed at increasing resilience to natural disasters. Finally, we are also preparing a new European integrated framework for climate resilience, which we'll expect to adopt later of this year. The road ahead is a very difficult 1, but through cooperation, engagement, and solidarity, Europe will move towards a collective and clear objective to raise the protection of our citizens and our territories against the growing and challenging risk landscape. Thank you. Thank you very much, commissioner.”
  EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.)
• 2026-07-08 “(10:29:37 - 10:31:06): Today, we have heavy hearts because there are more and more casualties. Citizens are dying. Yesterday, I was watching the news, and there are some citizens who refuse to leave their villages in the South Of France because they, love their villages so much. They want their children to grow up there. They want to make a contribution. Sometimes, they're using bottles of water to put out fires. We mustn't just cry or give our condolences even if our hearts are heavy. No. Instead, we must act, and we are acting. We have activated the mechanism on several occasions since April. This forest fire season, as it's now unfortunately known, has started earlier than ever before, And we must recognize what volunteers are doing even though it's more of a, competence of commissioner Minzatu. But we, for the 1st time, have volunteers and firefighters who are taking part in exchanges. They're in Warsaw today. That's never happened before. What we also want to do is raise awareness and have a new generation which is better equipped, to deal with these dangers”
  EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.)
• 2026-07-08 “The Ebola outbreak continues to expand rapidly in a region marked by conflict, displacement and fragile health systems. It is a crisis within a crisis, and a reminder that in today's interconnected world, no country can face a major health threat alone. Sustained financing and global coordination are essential. According to European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC), the risk of infection for people living in the EU remains very low. But this is no reason for complacency. We remain vigilant, and the Health Security Committee issued an Opinion on the current recommendations for a common EU approach. The EU and our Member States are prepared for an imported Ebola case, as France's rapid response has shown. A few weeks ago, I travelled to Bunia, in Ituri, the epicentre of the outbreak, to show EU solidarity and reaffirm our support. I saw the extraordinary bravery of healthcare and humanitarian workers operating in extremely difficult conditions. But I also saw that Europe's support matters. Our presence, our reliability and our ability to act quickly are recognised and highly valued by our partners. Our assistance is saving lives. Major challenges remain. Our priority is to boost surveillance and contact tracing, deploy diagnostics and medical teams, support exit screening, keep humanitarian and health access open, strengthen community trust, and ensure respect for International Humanitarian Law. Since day one, we have worked with WHO, the Africa CDC, affected countries and partners. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control experts have been deployed through the EU Health Task Force to support Africa CDC and strengthen exit screening. Overall, the EU is providing immediate and long-term support of EUR 493 million for humanitarian aid, vaccines, treatments and health security in the region. This includes more than EUR 100 million for the current preparedness and response efforts, with EUR 16.5 million to rapidly deploy diagnostics and strengthen field testing capacities. We have invested EUR 39.3 million in CEPI – the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations – to support the development of new, broadly protective filovirus vaccines. We have also mobilised EUR 15 million in humanitarian assistance for WHO and frontline humanitarian partners and transported over 590 tonnes of essential supplies to eastern DRC through 8 EU Humanitarian Air Bridges. Our response builds on years of EU investment in health security in Africa: healthcare workforce training, public health institutes and laboratory capacities, clinical trials infrastructure, surveillance, logistics, and research into vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. Beyond our bilateral and Team Europe action, we continue to provide significant multilateral contributions to the global health initiatives such as the Pandemic Fund, Gavi and the Global Fund, which are mobilising flexible funding to help countries respond to Ebola and maintain essential health services. While responding to the immediate crisis, we must also continue building long-term preparedness and response capacity. This is the aim of the Global Health Resilience Initiative: to help countries prevent, prepare for and respond to current and future outbreaks. Containing Ebola requires solidarity, political commitment to bring a lasting solution to the conflict, sustained financing, and reliable access to lifesaving humanitarian supplies and medical equipment. I have pleaded for that already in February during my first visit to the Great Lakes region. We must invest in what is needed today while preparing for tomorrow. This is why sustainable financing and health preparedness must go hand in hand in the next Multiannual Financial Framework. You can count on my commitment to support the response, mobilise resources, and advocate for humanitarian access and respect for international humanitarian law.”
  EU funding and budget allocation for health programmes
• 2026-07-08 “(10:26:05 - 10:29:33): Thank you, mister chair. And 1st of all, I would like to to thank you, all for your constructive and positive, contribution to to this debate so far. What I've heard is really, encouraging. I think that we are all on the same page that we need to work without ideology. And what I've heard so far nearly goes far beyond, ideology because, indeed, as you rightly say, Garcia Perez, this is the lethal reality of climate change that we are facing, today, and we cannot deny, this reality. That's why also I count on your support for the negotiation of the next MFF. We propose on behalf of the commission a a very ambitious budget to have a UCPM here, a comprehensive manner to response to to the climate change and to the risks we are facing today. You've raised the the importance to help the people, who live in rural area. Yeah. People and local communities play a major role in wildfire risk prevention and management. So the share of wildfire ignition caused by human activity in DEU by far exceeds those from natural causes and could be as high as 96 percent. 96 percent caused by, human activity. Complementing the preparedness union strategy, the commission today proposes to promote and disseminate good practices in wildfire risk assessment and awareness and community involvement, for example, through the UCPN, knowledge network, develop a toolkit for supporting resilience building, and promote volunteering and exchange opportunities in the field of preparedness. And, we are working also with member states, on guidelines to increase awareness about risks and and threats with particular attention to ensuring that information is accessible, inclusive, and adapted to the needs of groups, at risk. I totally agree that, UCPM or mechanism of civil protection, is solidarity European solidarity at its best, and we need to develop it further. That's why we presented, 1 year ago our new strategy preparedness strategy. We will present also, as, it was requested by, honorable, Knotec, a climate adaptation plan that will, presented be presented by commissioner Oksra in, Oton. And, yes, I totally agree that the 1st responder are always member states. They are the 1 who needs to to spend the money and, the budget we allocate, on the right funds. And, that's why also we need to adapt our cities with the RFF, for instance, or the solidarity funds, but because we must protect our citizens and particularly those living also in urban areas by making our cities, buildings, and public spaces more resilient. And finally, I will respond to to Gregor Lelyon.”
  EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.)
• 2026-06-27 “Last year we stood together in this city when Pride was banned, when people faced prosecution just for walking in the streets. Yet, you marched anyway, two hundred thousand of you from thirty countries. That march did not just make history. It helped change history. What a difference a year makes. Yesterday I met with members of the new government. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Orban, Minister of Interior, Mr Gabor Posfai, Minister of Health, Zsolt Hegedius, and Minister of Social and Family Affairs, Vilmos Kátai-Németh, in charge of equality policies. It was great to hear how we can support Hungary in building your future. I look forward to working together. Dear Gergely, last year I thanked you for your courage because I saw firsthand the personal risks that you took to defend the rights of all Hungarians. I also thanked you for being stubborn. Today we see that stubbornness paid off. It made a difference. Today I am back to celebrate Pride, freely and openly, without fear. We celebrate something simple and powerful: the freedom to be who you are, and love who you love. Last April, Hungarians made a choice. They took their future into their own hands. They chose Europe. They chose democracy. And they chose a Hungary where everyone belongs. Today's Pride is the latest proof of that new beginning. The winds of change are blowing across this great nation. We all feel it. This morning I met with you, Gergely. I will also meet the organisers of Pride. I am glad the charges against you and Géza Buzás-Hábel, the organiser of last year's Pécs pride, have been dropped. Organising these marches was never a crime. It is a fundamental right. The European Court of Justice ruling was clear. It finds that the so-called ‘Child Protection Law' stigmatises and marginalises LGBTIQ+ people. It violates EU values and is not compatible with EU law. You can count on the European Union to keep pushing forward. Our new five-year LGBTIQ+ Strategy will make our Union more inclusive. Here are two concrete examples: First, banning conversion practices. These are not therapy. They are torture. We are preparing a Recommendation to ban them across the EU. Second, tackling online violence. Digital violence is just as brutal as physical violence. Hate spreads at the click of a button, so we are working to stop it with policies, with partners, and very concretely, with money. In our next EU budget, we have proposed more than doubling funding for equality and civil society, up to €3.6 billion. The people in the streets are not just marching for themselves. They are marching for all of us, and they deserve our support. Equality, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, these are not optional. Today is a beautiful day. Hungary and the European Union, celebrating Pride together. But it is also about more than Pride. It is about building the society we want to live in, free, inclusive, and democratic. I was with you last year in difficult times, and I am here now in a moment of hope. The European Union will stay with you, helping to build a bright future. Progress is made by people who march even when they are told they cannot. You did that. Hungary did that. And all of Europe was inspired by you. This is your moment. A spark of freedom, right here, in the heart of Europe.”
  LGBTIQ+
• 2026-06-26 “What a difference a year makes. The winds of change are blowing across this great nation in the heart of Europe. I feel it. We all feel it. It is a great pleasure to be in Hungary at this historic moment, a moment of real celebration. Last June I stood right here in Budapest. Your Pride was banned and people faced prosecution just for walking in the streets. Two hundred thousand of you showed up anyway, from thirty countries, walking through this city, hand in hand. That march did not just make history. It helped change history. Today I am back again, as European Commissioner defending equality. But honestly, I am also here the way anyone comes back to a city that inspired them. Budapest will always hold a special place in my heart, as a city of courage. And yes, a city of stubbornness. You were told you could not march. But you did it anyway. Hungary did that, and all of Europe was inspired. I am excited to be back in Budapest. It is like finding an old friend. I want to say it plainly: we are here with you. The European Union is here with you. We stand with you. We support you as you build something new, a country where no one feels bad for loving differently. This year is very different. I have met with Ministers of the new government, building new partnerships and building new trust, grounded in the values we share as Europeans. Pride has always been about standing in the light of day and saying, “This is me. This is who I am. This is who I love.” That takes courage every single year, but it took something extraordinary last year, when the ban came down and the threats came. Yet you still came out. Last April, the European Court of Justice ruled that Hungary's so-called ‘Child Protection Law' violated EU law. More than that, it said that laws which stigmatise LGBTIQ+ people are not compatible with the identity of our Union. That ruling has already had real consequences, including the charges against Pride organisers being dropped. We will keep working with Hungarian authorities until it is fully implemented. You can count on me and my team, to fight for the rights of the LGBTIQ+ people everywhere in Europe. For that to succeed, we have a new LGBTIQ+ Strategy for the next five years. Let me highlight two priorities. First, banning conversion practices. One in four LGBTIQ+ people in Europe has experienced them. These are not therapies, they are torture. We are preparing a Recommendation to ban them across the EU. In all our meetings with ministers of social affairs and equality, we ask them to work on a law to ban these brutal practices. Eight Members States have taken action, and three more are ready to follow. The second priority is tackling online violence. Hate spreads across our screens at the click of a button, further and faster than anything shouted in the street. We are working to change that. Digital spaces should be safe for everyone. We are funding the fight, putting real money behind this. Our next EU budget proposes more than doubling the funding for equality and civil society, up to €3.6 billion. Activists, lawyers, and organisations kept the light on through the darkest years. You kept this moment alive. You deserve our support. I was with you last year in difficult times, and I am here now in times of hope. Progress is made by people who have the courage to say no, this is not the world we want to live in. Now it is time to shape the world you have dreamed about. Now it is your moment. Let's celebrate!”
  LGBTIQ+
• 2026-06-15 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 15.6.2026 Written question The LGBTIQ+ [1] equality strategy does not encourage minors to socially or medically transition . Healthcare policy remains the competence of Member States, who define healthcare policies and clinical practice, based on scientific evidence and national legal frameworks . As set out in previous replies [2] , the Commission considers that protecting children’s fundamental rights and those of LGBTIQ+ people are complementary. Equality and non-discrimination are core EU values, enshrined in the EU Treaties, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union [3] and the European Pillar of Social Rights. The LGBTIQ+ equality strategy [4] aims to ensure protection against discrimination for all. Protecting children’s rights is also a core EU objective. Under Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the child’s best interests must be a primary consideration in all actions concerning them, and children have the right to express their views in line with their age and maturity [5] . The EU’s comprehensive approach to mental health [6] supports vulnerable groups, such as children and young people. This includes initiatives like an EU-funded prevention toolkit, to support policymakers in addressing children’s mental and physical health [7] . EU funding objectives are set in programmes adopted by the Council and Parliament. Implementation occurs through work programmes approved by Member States and open calls for proposals. Grants are awarded competitively to top-ranked proposals that best meet programme goals. They may be suspended, terminated, reduced or recovered, if eligibility requirements are infringed. Beneficiaries may be excluded from future EU funding if misconduct, such as incitement to discrimination, hatred and violence, affect or risk affecting their performance of legal commitments. [1] Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer. [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-10-2025-004175-ASW_EN.html; https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-004108_EN.html; https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-004040_EN.html; https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-004172_EN.html. [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/char_2012/oj/eng. [4] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/b4952371-4308-47ad-b995-02c539b75dda_en?filename=JUST_template_comingsoon_standard.pdf.. [5] In line with Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child. [6] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/public-health/european-health-union/comprehensive-approach-mental-health_en. [7] https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/sante/items/863796/en.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion · LGBTIQ+
• 2026-06-15 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 15.6.2026 Written question The Commission does not comment on draft legislation or ongoing national legislative processes. Equality and non-discrimination are founding values of the EU enshrined in the Treaty on the EU and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. The Commission remains firmly committed to combating discrimination and inequalities faced by LGBTIQ+ [1] people, also via the LGBTIQ+ equality strategy 2026-2030 [2] , which builds on the progress achieved under the 2020-2025 strategy. The Commission will continue to closely monitor the situation of LGBTIQ+ people across the EU, within the limits of its competences, and to use all the instruments at its disposal to uphold EU law in Member States. [1] Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer. [2] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/b4952371-4308-47ad-b995-02c539b75dda_en?filename=JUST_template_comingsoon_standard.pdf.”
  LGBTIQ+ · Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2026-06-11 “Het is een plezier bij u te zijn vanavond, zelfs al is het virtueel. Het spijt mij dat ik fysiek niet aanwezig kan zijn. Ik was op dringende humanitaire missie in de DRC, in het epicentrum van de Ebola epidemie. Ce virus pourrait avoir des conséquences dramatiques si nous n'avons pas de réponse coordonnée, impliquant tous les acteurs au niveau international. Nos économies n'ont pas besoin d'une nouvelle pandémie ! C'est un des scénarios les plus redouté par nos citoyens. Mais cela ne veut pas dire pour autant que c'est le plus probable des scénarios de crise. Non, il faut s'attendre à tout et surtout à l'inattendu, à l'improbable. Qui aurait pu imaginer ce qu'il s'est passé le 28 avril 2025 en Espagne et au Portugal ? À 12h33 précises, ces deux pays ont basculé dans le vide, en quelques secondes. Tout s'est arrêté. Les usines Seat et Ford paralysées. Les chaînes de production, figées. Les avions cloués au sol. Les paiements en ligne hors service. Impossible de lire une carte bancaire ou de retirer de l'argent aux distributeurs. Les bureaux privés de connections internet. Les ordinateurs réduits à des écrans noirs. Les employés renvoyés chez eux, mais plus de transports en commun, plus aucun train ou tramways ne circule et les embouteillages se multiplient : les feux de signalisations ne fonctionnent plus, pas plus que les communications téléphoniques. 60 millions de personnes. Privées d'électricité. En plein milieu d'une journée de travail ordinaire. L'économie espagnole a calculé le coût : 1,6 milliard d'euros de PIB envolés en une journée pour une panne d'électricité. Maintenant, imaginez que ce ne soit pas dix heures. Imaginez dix jours. Pas une panne technique, mais une cyberattaque coordonnée. Alors question : votre entreprise est-elle prête à affronter cette panne ? Combien de temps pourrait-elle tenir ? 72 heures ? 24 heures ? Une heure seulement ? Je sais qu'à travers votre initiative BE PREPARED, vous avez le courage de poser cette question au secteur privé belge. Ce soir, je suis là pour vous dire : continuez et allons plus loin ensemble. Cela fait exactement un an et demi que j'ai pris mes fonctions de commissaire européen à l'état de préparation et à la gestion de crise. J'ai parcouru les pays européens et extra-européens pour rassembler les meilleures initiatives, les pratiques les plus avancées et tirer vers le haut, vers une meilleure anticipation des risques, l'ensemble des États membres. Je n'oublierai jamais le Centre de Résilience de la Confédération des Industries finlandaises à Helsinki. Là-bas, le savoir-faire finlandais, abris, drones, systèmes d'énergie autonomes, est transformés en opportunité sur les marchés. La préparation n'est pas considérée comme un coût en Finlande. C'est un avantage compétitif qu'elle exporte. En Suède, une structure publique-privée rassemble des centaines d'entreprises nationales qui sont parties prenantes de la stratégie de résilience du pays et tiennent informé le gouvernement de l'état de leurs chaines d'approvisionnement autant que de leurs réserves. L'objectif est simple : avoir une visibilité et ajuster leurs stocks avant qu'une crise ou un évènement disruptif survienne. Pour ces pays nordiques, la menace est tangible depuis et la préparation fait partie de leur ADN. Pourtant, nous sommes aujourd'hui tous concernés , du nord au sud et de l'Est à l'Ouest. De dreigingen die op ons afkomen zijn sneller en complexer dan ooit tevoren. Ze houden geen rekening met grenzen. Ze zorgen voor een waterval aan problemen in meerdere sectoren tegelijk. De oorlogen in Oekraïne en het Midden-Oosten hebben een directe invloed op de markten: energieprijzen, toeleveringsketens, voedselzekerheid en desinformatie. Klimaatverandering verandert de aard van natuurrampen en hun economische gevolgen. Cette année, les incendies ont frappé la Belgique et d'autres pays européens dès la fin du mois d'avril. Des drones ont perturbé le trafic aérien. Et la désinformation est devenue une arme qui peut paralyser la confiance du consommateur en quelques heures. Notre réponse ne peut donc pas être fragmentée. Elle doit être systémique et anticipée. Une entreprise qui anticipe les crises, protège et diversifie ses chaînes d'approvisionnement, maintient son activité, et rassure clients et investisseurs. Pourtant, votre enquête le confirme : moins de quatre entreprises belges sur dix disposent d'un processus avancé de gestion des risques. Question : peut-on encore se permettre pareille exposition de nos entreprises ? Nous devons voir les crises venir avant qu'elles ne nous frappent. Precies daarom hebben we een jaar geleden de « Union Preparedness Strategy » aangenomen met dertig zeer concrete acties. Ik zal er niet in detail op ingaan, maar hier zijn 3,4 belangrijke punten: Premièrement, pour la première fois dans l'histoire de l'Union européenne, nous allons établir une évaluation complète et partagée de l'ensemble des risques auxquels nous faisons face. Climatiques, technologiques, géopolitiques, sociétaux. Non pas une mosaïque de 27 analyses nationales qui ne se parlent pas, mais une image européenne commune. Parce qu'une menace qui frappe la Pologne touche aussi vos chaînes d'approvisionnement ici, en Belgique. Deuxièmement, nous avons lancé une Stratégie de Stockage européenne, la première du genre. Elle couvre l'ensemble du cycle, de l'anticipation au déploiement des stocks, pour garantir que nous avons ce qu'il faut quand il le faut, partout en Europe. Troisièmement, d'ici la fin de l'année, nous adopterons des Exigences Minimales de Préparation. Nous voulons compléter le cadre qui existe déjà, comme les Directives CER et NIS2[1] (#_ftn1) sur la protection des infrastructures critiques avec des objectifs clairs, mesurables, pour la résilience civile, sans créer de nouvelles lourdeurs administratives. Quatrièmement, et c'est peut-être l'initiative la plus importante pour vous ce soir, nous lançons à l'automne une Taskforce dédiée à la coopération public-privé sur la préparation. Ce sera le lieu de dialogue que nous n'avons pas encore entre les entreprises, les gouvernements et la Commission. Un espace de confiance pour partager des informations, anticiper des risques communs, et coordonner des réponses. Je compte sur la FEB pour y jouer un rôle moteur dès le premier jour. Avant ça, j'invite toutes les entreprises qui opèrent dans le domaine de la gestion de crise à présenter leur travail lors du Forum de la Protection Civile qui aura lieu à Tour et Taxis début novembre. Le forum rassemblera tous les acteurs de la préparation au sens large pour exposer et échanger sur les initiatives innovantes du moment. La résilience ne peut pas être le monopole des gouvernements. Elle se construit avec les entreprises, avec les communautés, avec les citoyens. Les entreprises sont centrales parce que vous gérez une large part des infrastructures critiques en Europe. Votre initiative BE PREPARED, incarne exactement ce passage de la prise de conscience à l'action, que nous appelons de nos vœux. Des outils concrets, accessibles, pratiques. Mais je veux vous proposer d'aller plus loin ensemble sur trois axes précis. D'abord, élargir la couverture des risques : au-delà des risques opérationnels immédiats, vos entreprises doivent cartographier leurs expositions économiques, cyber, énergétiques et géopolitiques. Ensuite, renforcer la résilience de vos chaînes d'approvisionnement. Identifier vos dépendances critiques, en matières premières, en composants, en fournisseurs uniques, avant qu'une crise ne les expose à votre place. Et enfin, participer à un partage d'information sécurisé avec les autorités publiques, dans un cadre qui protège vos intérêts commerciaux. Ik heb u over Finland en Zweden gesproken. Laat me ook Duitsland niet vergeten. En décembre dernier, à Brême, le Centre de recherche sur l'intelligence artificielle m'a présenté des robots de secours capables d'intervenir dans des zones totalement impraticables, développés conjointement par des acteurs publics et les plus grandes entreprises allemandes. Ce n'est pas de la philanthropie. C'est de l'innovation industrielle financée par la préparation collective. Et la Belgique a tous les atouts pour jouer dans cette catégorie. Nous avons ici un écosystème d'excellence mondiale dans le domaine médical par exemple : la Biobank de KU Leuven, l'Institut de Médecine Tropicale d'Anvers, le BioPark à Charleroi. L'usine Pfizer à Puurs était l'un des sites de production vaccinale les plus importants au monde pendant la pandémie. C'est dans cette logique que nous avons lancé notre Stratégie sur les contre-mesures médicales avec EU FAB, un réseau de fabricants européens garantissant 325 millions de doses de vaccins par an en cas de crise. Et RAMP UP, un réseau volontaire de fabricants basés dans l'UE pour renforcer notre capacité industrielle face aux crises sanitaires. La Belgique a vocation à être au cœur de ce réseau. A l'automne dernier, j'ai inauguré les premières « HERA Industry Days », pour impliquer pleinement les entreprises pharmaceutiques et les PME dans les stratégies de résilience. Et on recommence en novembre prochain. Parmi les grands axes de notre Stratégie figure aussi la coopération civilo-militaire. Le développement de capacités à double usage est aussi une source de marchés que je vous encourage à exploiter. Se préparer aux crises aujourd'hui, c'est aussi assurer que notre économie reste forte, malgré les turbulences géopolitiques. L'Europe dispose déjà du plus grand réseau mondial d'accords de libre-échange. 45 accords avec 80 pays, couvrant près de 50 % de notre commerce. Nous sommes particulièrement concernés : près de 900 000 emplois belges dépendent de nos exportations, soit un emploi sur six. Et 95 % de ces exportateurs sont des PME. Depuis fin 2024, nous avons conclu des accords historiques avec le Mexique, le Mercosur, l'Inde et l'Australie. Des marchés de plusieurs centaines de millions de consommateurs pour vos entreprises. Ensuite, la simplification : des règles prévisibles et favorables aux entreprises. Nos premières mesures « Omnibus » nous permettront d'économiser 12 milliards d'euros. Et nous visons 37 milliards d'ici la fin du mandat. Mais il y a un obstacle plus profond. Nous vivons à une époque où les capitaux et les données traversent l'Europe en une fraction de seconde. Les entreprises, elles, devraient pouvoir se déplacer aussi librement. Or aujourd'hui, trop de sociétés cherchent à grandir en dehors de l'Europe, en partie parce qu'elles se heurtent à un nouveau cadre réglementaire à chaque fois qu'elles s'étendent dans un nouvel État membre. Sur le papier, le marché de 450 millions d'Européens leur est ouvert. Dans la réalité, c'est bien plus compliqué. Et cela agit comme un frein à main sur leur potentiel de croissance. EU Inc., ou le 28ᵉ régime, est la réponse à ce problème. Aujourd'hui, une entreprise qui veut grandir en Europe doit souvent composer avec 27 systèmes différents. Demain, elle pourra s'appuyer sur un cadre unique, simple et numérique, reconnu dans toute l'Union. Nous sommes allés plus loin encore avec l'Union de l'Épargne et des Investissements. En Europe, plus de 10 000 milliards d'euros dorment dans des comptes bancaires à faible rendement au lieu d'être investis sur les marchés de capitaux. La Commission a donc présenté un modèle européen de comptes d'épargne et d'investissement pour les particuliers. Des produits simples, accessibles, qui bénéficient d'avantages fiscaux, pour permettre aux citoyens d'investir directement dans les entreprises européennes. Pour nos secteurs industriels stratégiques — batteries, véhicules électriques, photovoltaïque, matières premières critiques — notre Loi sur l'Accélérateur Industriel fixe un principe clair : l'argent public doit d'abord bénéficier à la production et aux emplois en Europe. Si vous investissez dans l'avenir industriel de l'Europe, l'Europe vous soutient. Ce n'est pas du protectionnisme. C'est de la réciprocité intelligente. Et n'oublions pas la résilience climatique et l'indépendance énergétique. Les récentes tensions dans le détroit d'Ormuz nous ont rappelé une réalité brutale : notre dépendance aux énergies fossiles importées nous expose dangereusement. C'est pourquoi l'Europe envoie un message clair et sans ambiguïté : la décarbonation n'est pas seulement une question d'émissions. C'est une question de sécurité énergétique, de force économique, et de leadership européen dans la transition mondiale. Dans l'Union Européenne, la diversité est notre force. L'égalité est notre fondement. Je ne vais pas vous en parler comme d'idéaux abstraits, mais comme d'un choix stratégique, parce que c'est ce qu'elles sont. Ces principes font face à des résistances, à du scepticisme. Je le reconnais ouvertement. Mais reculer serait une erreur, morale et économique. Selon une analyse récente, l'écart d'emploi entre les femmes et les hommes coûte plus de 390 milliards d'euros à l'Union européenne. Les entreprises avec des équipes diversifiées sont plus innovantes, plus productives, et mieux armées face au changement. Des perspectives différentes, celles de personnes en situation de handicap, issues de différentes cultures, origines ethniques ou des personnes LGBTIQ+, apportent des sensibilités différentes, des idées nouvelles. En Europe, on est convaincu que l'inclusion est un levier de compétitivité : plus de 17 500 organisations ont signé des Chartes de la Diversité dans nos 27 États membres, cela représente plus de 17 millions de salariés. En tant que Commissaire à l'égalité, je suis chargée de mettre en œuvre de nombreuses directives importantes adoptées lors du mandat précédent pour renforcer notre Union de l'égalité. Parmi elle, la Directive sur la transparence salariale, je sais qu'elle inquiète particulièrement les PME. La Commission va continuer à soutenir les États Membres et les partenaires sociaux, pour une mise en œuvre claire, proportionnelle et efficace. Mais soyons aussi clairs sur l'objectif : mettre fin aux écarts de salaires injustifiés entre femmes et hommes, 11 % en moyenne dans l'UE. Ce n'est pas une contrainte bureaucratique. C'est une question d'équité et de performance : les entreprises qui paient équitablement attirent et retiennent mieux les talents. Les écarts de salaire se traduisent aussi par des écarts de retraites. Actuellement, les retraites des femmes sont en moyenne inférieures à celles des hommes dans l'UE de 25%. L'inégalité salariale a des conséquences de longue durée, et un impact global : au-delà des victimes de pratiques discriminatoires, c'est tout un système économique qui en souffre. Nous travaillons avec les États membres sur les conditions de mise en œuvre. Mais l'objectif, lui, ne bougera pas. Un dernier angle que l'on oublie souvent : nos frontières extérieures. La sécurité économique de la Belgique et de l'Europe ne s'arrête pas à nos portes. La carte de vos dépendances géographiques est aussi la carte de vos vulnérabilités stratégiques. La récente guerre en Iran l'a encore démontré : les conflits et les crises ailleurs dans le monde ont un impact direct, rapide, sur notre économie ici. Les perturbations de l'axe Suez-Bab el-Mandeb ont coûté des milliards aux exportateurs européens. Une instabilité au Sahel peut affecter vos approvisionnements en matières premières critiques. C'est pourquoi j'ai lancé, en collaboration avec le Forum économique mondial, l'initiative Invest Frontier. Elle réunit des dirigeants d'entreprise, des investisseurs, des philanthropes et des acteurs humanitaires autour d'une conviction partagée : investir dans la stabilité des pays fragiles, c'est aussi sécuriser nos propres chaînes de valeur et ouvrir de nouveaux marchés potentiels. J'en profite pour vous lancer une deuxième invitation : le 6 novembre prochain rejoignez-nous pour des échanges de haut niveau, impliquer le WEF, le secteur bancaire international, le secteur philanthropique et entrepreneurial. C'est là que se construiront les premières coalitions d'investisseurs. C'est un modèle qui commence déjà à faire ses preuves en Ukraine ? Où je me suis rendue à plusieurs reprises. En pleine guerre, j'ai vu une société entière qui se tient debout, ensemble. Les hôpitaux maintiennent les soins. Les entreprises qui assurent la continuité de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes logistiques malgré les attaques sur les infrastructures vitales. Les entreprises adaptent leurs productions, innovent et exportent même pour aider d'autres pays. Regardez l'expertise en matière de drones développée en 4 ans. Elle s'exporte à travers le monde aujourd'hui. Le prochain budget européen place la préparation au cœur de ses priorités. Mais cette ambition doit se traduire en investissements concrets, ici en Belgique et partout en Europe. Vanavond wil ik u geen pessimistische boodschap geven, maar een boodschap van vertrouwen en ambitie voor de toekomst. BE PREPARED is niet zomaar de naam van een campagne. Het is een filosofie, een « state of mind ». Ik wil dat het de merknaam wordt van een Europa waaraan we samen bouwen. Veiliger, sterker, veerkrachtiger. Plus sûre, plus forte, plus résiliente. (#_ftnref1)”
  EU competences on health (internal-competence axis, sharpened)
• 2026-06-11 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 11.6.2026 Written question Gender inequality causes gender gaps in employment, pay and pensions, thereby reducing the overall productivity of the EU’s economy. Gender budgeting allows to concretely address gender inequalities, thereby leading to broad societal benefits for European citizens. It also allows for a more efficient use of resources, which is particularly important in times of crisis. The Financial Regulation [1] establishes that programmes and activities shall be implemented taking into account the principle of gender equality, in accordance with an appropriate gender mainstreaming methodology (Article 33). The Commission’s proposal for the Performance Regulation [2] establishes that, for that purpose, activities of the budget shall be classified according to their contribution to gender equality, and that the Commission will provide specific guidance to do so (Article 7), as also committed in the Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 [3] . This is fully in line with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, notably Article 8 [4] . Implementing gender budgeting bears no costs other than the use of administrative resources needed to track its progress. These costs are vastly offset by the result of having addressed gender inequality, thereby the benefits of gender equality. Implementing gender budgeting does not require a reallocation of resources from one sector to the other. It is about incorporating a gender perspective in the budgetary process, whereby gender equality strongly contributes to the EU’s overall strategic goals, including social cohesion and competitiveness, multiplying the return on investments in critical sectors. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/2509/oj. [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52025PC0545. [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52026DC0113. [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/tfeu_2012/oj/eng.”
  Size of EU budget · Gender roles, equality and inclusion · EU expenditure on social policy
• 2026-06-09 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 9.6.2026 Written question In line with the requirements of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), state parties to the Convention periodically discuss its implementation with the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In 2021 the Commission created the Disability Platform, which is an expert group composed of the Member States and civil society organisations, to discuss the implementation of the UNCRPD and the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 [1] . During meetings of the Platform the Member States debrief about their constructive dialogues with the UN Committee, including in relation to health, covered by Article 25 of the UNCRPD. A project funded under the EU4Health resulted in guidelines on improving access to care for people with disabilities [2] . Eight workshops organised within the project offered Member States practical guidance on implementing the guidelines and shared good practices in improving access to healthcare for persons with disabilities. The guidelines were presented to the Disability Forum and can be used to inform the work of the Disability Platform including experts from Member States, EU-level non-governmental organisations, and organisations representing persons with disabilities. The implementation of guidelines is in the remit of Member States, which are responsible for the design of their health policies and the management and delivery of health services in accordance with Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021DC0101. [2] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/0f191113-d63f-11f0-8da2-01aa75ed71a1/language-en.”
  EU policy on disability inclusion & accessibility
• 2026-06-04 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 4.6.2026 Written question The decision [1] establishing the Union Civil Protection Mechanism recognises the primary responsibility of Member States for preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters and therefore Article 15(1) stipulates that when a disaster occurs within the EU, or is imminent, the affected Member State may request assistance through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre [2] . A request for assistance has not been received for the landslide in Niscemi, so the Commission cannot provide a qualitative or quantitative assessment of the question at hand. The Technical Support Instrument (TSI) [3] aims to support Member States’ efforts to strengthen their institutional and administrative capacity, including at regional and local level. According to the TSI Regulation [4] , one objective of the instrument is to assist national authorities in improving their capacity to design, develop and implement reforms. In particular, the TSI can be used to support policies for the mitigation of climate change, the environmental pillar of sustainable development and environmental protection, and for soil protection [5] . The provision of support via the TSI should be initiated by a request submitted by the Member State, following a call for requests open by the Commission. In line with Article 3 of the TSI Regulation , technical support is provided to effectively address the challenges identified in the country-specific recommendations and to implement EU law. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2013/1313/oj/eng. [2] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/emergency-response-coordination-centre-ercc_en. [3] https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/technical-support-instrument_en. [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?toc=OJ%3AL%3A2021%3A057%3AFULL&uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2021.057.01.0001.01.ENG. [5] Extract from Article 5(f) of the TSI Regulation: please see footnote 4.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2026-06-03 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 3.6.2026 Written question Directive (EU) 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act) (EAA) [1] sets mandatory accessibility requirements for certain products and services, including certain elements of transport services, and optional accessibility requirements for the built environment [2] , for which Member States can opt-in [3] . The Act applies since 28 June 2025, and the Commission monitors its implementation across the EU. In 2022, the Commission issued a standardisation request [4] to revise and develop standards including for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and on the built environment [5] , which should support the implementation of accessibility requirements of the EAA. Moreover, the Commission launched the European resource centre AccessibleEU [6] , designed, inter alia , to support the implementation of EU accessibility legislation. Moreover, Article 9(3) of the Common Provisions Regulation [7] states that accessibility for persons with disabilities shall be taken into account throughout the preparation and implementation of programmes in the different funds to which this regulation applies. As regards public transport, the EU type-approval rules [8] for city buses require accessibility of passengers with reduced mobility, including at least one wheelchair user. All buses and coaches designed for easy access for passengers with reduced mobility and wheelchair users must comply with requirements on accommodation for such passengers, as regards, e.g., steps, communication devices, handrails, floor slopes etc. EU passenger rights legislation requires to assist persons with reduced mobility and persons with disabilities, allowing them to request advance notification for operators to organise staff or equipment required for using their service. [1] Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the accessibility requirements for products and services (OJ L 151, 7.6.2019, PP.70-115, ELI:http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/882/oj). [2] Annex III to Directive (EU) 2019/82. [3] Ireland has not opted into the accessibility requirements for the built environment. [4] C(2022) 6456 — Standardisation request M/587, https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/enorm/mandate/587_en. [5] EN 17210:2021, Accessibility in the built environment, https://accessible-eu-centre.ec.europa.eu/content-corner/digital-library/en-172102021-accessibility-and-usability-built-environment-functional-requirements_en. [6] https://accessible-eu-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en. [7] Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, pp. 159-706) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1060/oj/eng. [8] Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2007 and (EC) No 595/2009 and repealing Directive 2007/46/EC (OJ L 151, 14.6.2018, pp. 1-218) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/858/oj/eng.”
  EU policy on disability inclusion & accessibility
• 2026-06-03 “(15:30:38 – 15:47:43): Maybe I will ask the more questions that many of you asked about what we are facing today, the hunter and Ebola viruses, because it came back from many of you. First of all, I would like to reassure you, following the assessment of ECDC, I understand that you met them this morning. There is very low risk in Europe for European people, I mean. And the most likely scenario that could happen is isolated cases. For that, the advice from WHO, from ECDC, and other international agencies is not to close the border. No ban. Unfortunately, we see some member states taking isolated decisions. And yeah, that's the problem. Yes, that's the problem. On Friday, with the commissioner in charge of health and Sonte, I will go to inform them for an informal meeting, and I hope that we will have a more coordinated approach, which is really essential. To give you an example, you know that there was this football match in Paris, and the president, Chisek Adee, was blocked in Budapest with his plane. He was stuck there. He couldn't attend, and his brother came from another member state with the whole delegation and could attend. So it shows that we are not serious. Another thing is that yesterday, a football team was banned and not allowed to go to Spain to play a friendly game, but they were in Brussels training. So it shows that we really need to have a more coordinated approach, and I hope we will succeed. When it comes to the needs, they are immense and basic needs. This Ebola strain is mainly fever, high fever, and hemorrhagic fever. I think that with paracetamol, some medicines, and to the patient, we can save a lot of lives. Six patients have recovered. Since the last figure I have in mind from this morning, we have only 816 suspected cases. It has reduced drastically because all the other cases were common diseases or fever, following colds and such. We did a lot. First of all, thanks to our support to Africa CDC, we were able to identify this trend. This is Ebola Bodibongyo, which is not a new one. The first time it occurred was in 2007 in Bodibongyo, and it is thanks to our support to Africa CDC that we identified this trend. Secondly, we have contributed to launch an appeal to produce a vaccine and to test it later on through our CEPI, the coalition of epidemic preparedness innovation. So it means that we are launching research and development, accelerating the production of a vaccine. I think we have two good proposals from Moderna and another from YEVA. We hope to have a vaccine soon. On the humanitarian field, we are doing a lot. I was myself at the airport a couple of days ago on Sunday for a humanitarian Air Bridge with 100 tons of humanitarian aid: tents, medical supplies, antibiotics, paracetamol, and personal protection equipment, with UNICEF. We also decided to upgrade and step up our humanitarian aid contribution to 16,000,000. It is added to the 87,000,000 that we gave already at the beginning of the year. This is our immediate response. I think it shows that we are doing a lot. Our ECO colleagues are in Bunya coordinating activities from the field with all field teams from Kinshasa, Goma, Uganda, Nairobi, and we are working closely with humanitarian and health partners on the emergency response. This is to give you an overview of what we are facing today. Coming back to the question on the fact that we are facing multiple crises, I agree totally that we need to adapt to this new reality to have the capacity to tackle cascading effects of a single crisis. That's why we have proposed for the next in our preparedness strategy to create this hub. You can call it whatever you want, but to have the capacity to tackle these consequences of, for instance, health emergencies. You can have transport problems if the borders are closed, which is, again, in this case, not the advice given by WHO. We must always take decisions based on scientists' expertise and not on fears. We are also implementing preparedness by design as part of the preparedness union strategy. We have already adopted a number of key actions on water resilience strategy, EU stockpiling strategy, medical countermeasure strategy, democracy shield to combat disinformation, and we tabled a proposal to strengthen our civil protection mechanism and health emergency response. The overarching principle of preparedness by design is being gradually implemented, starting with the MFF proposals. We already embedded this philosophy within the current MFF. The revision of the cohesion policy framework last year allowed member states to shift funds towards civil preparedness, dual use, and defense projects. The commission proposal for the new MFF proposes even more funding for preparedness, embedding preparedness and security priorities across major programs, including the national and regional partnerships plan. When it comes to the global health resilience initiative and equitable access to medical countermeasures, the three hubs we are establishing on vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics are designed from the outset with equity built in. For example, the EU diagnostics hub has an explicit focus on ensuring tests and technologies reach vulnerable and minority populations who were systematically underserved during the COVID-19 pandemic. On procurement, joint and pooled procurement mechanisms are significantly designed to aggregate demand from countries with less purchasing power. We are working with partners across the globe on manufacturing. We are sharing the expertise built through EU fab with partners so they can build surge capacity in their own regions. For the first time last year, we had our first pharmaceutical Hera days to boost research and development on therapeutics, antimicrobial resistance, and vaccines. It shows that we are acting at every level. This is a real strategy because we are mainstreaming the threats and how to respond to these threats at every level: local, regional, national, including the private sector and even the defense sector. When it comes to women's health, for too long, women's health has been ignored. I said it in my opening remarks. The key message I shared at the UN General Assembly was that the world has maybe changed, but the EU's commitment to gender equality has not. This was the key message for the new gender equality strategy as well. The strategy aims to step up our effort to embed gender equality in every aspect of life: online, offline, work, school, at home. For the first time, the principle two in our gender equality strategy was health issues. We have launched a new initiative with the World Health Organization to explore and do a kind of mapping to improve the quality and accessibility of women's health care. We will do this mapping to identify best practices worldwide to collect all this information to allow decision makers to take the best decisions following this study. The commission will also fund a study on the macroeconomic and social benefits of closing the women's health gap related to certain conditions like menopause and endometriosis, which are not well explored. To ensure that medicines are safe and effective for all, the commission, together with the European Medicines Agency, will look into developing gender-sensitive checks in the product life cycle of human medicine, including research and development. This will be built on existing work on gender-sensitive clinical trials. We will ask: did you test on women? We will try to avoid excluding breastfeeding or pregnant women from clinical trials. This is one of the key points. When it comes to my voice, my choice, I can clarify my position. We are in full sectoral sovereignty for member states when it comes to health, how they organize their health system and legislation. We found a way to propose to member states to use these funds. It's a first. They can use the ESF plus funds if they wish because we cannot force them. This respects EU rules and treaties. Several countries wrote me letters asking me and the commission to come back with a positive reply. Our reply was quite positive, and now it is up to them to use these funds. The ball is in their court. To give you technical information, the ESF plus fund is a shared management mode. It is for national and regional authorities to answer your specific question, Mr. Clairjot, to identify which specific objectives are to be supported under their various national and regional programs. Even regional authorities can use these funds. Regarding the trust test exercise, we have plenty of them. Not later than yesterday, we had the MODEX exercise here in Belgium, linked with the ERCC experts on the scenario of floods. It is likely to happen in the near future. We also have Hera exercises regularly with all member states, with EMA, with ECDC, on pox, avian flu, and the next one will be on CBRN, testing our systems. We have stockpiles in warehouses secretly spread in various countries of our union. I assisted myself on one in Oulu, Finland, a couple of months ago. Regarding Romania, first of all, I would like to express my total solidarity. I know you are in a very difficult position. I visited many times all these western countries who have a border or are close to the border with Ukraine. We have EU stockpiles over there precisely because we know you might be put in danger. Our ERCC and through the UCPM have transported many patients from Ukraine and other parts of Europe and the world. A good example was unexpected because I had many questions from journalists. Switzerland is not part of Europe, but nevertheless, we evacuated patients severely wounded in Cromontana after the explosion on January 1. We are stockpiling critical supplies everywhere, precisely where it is needed the most. That's how we choose the thing. We have, for instance, a medevac in Romania.”
  Vaccination
• 2026-06-03 “(15:54:05 – 15:57:19): Thank you for your very interesting question. Coordination is key. You are totally right. Helping each other among our union is the second key, and that's why we have this preparedness union strategy. That's why we presented a UCPM here to tackle all kinds of hazards, no matter if it is a terrorist attack, massive disinformation, or health emergencies. We need to work together. If one member state is overwhelmed because of an epidemic, let's imagine Spain faces an epidemic, then we will help each other with research and development of vaccines, with joint procurements. All these things are in our medical countermeasures strategy and stockpiling strategy, which are the first two deliverables of the preparedness union strategy. Specifically, when it comes to the Ebola outbreak, as I said before you joined us, the risk to Europe is very, very low. WHO, ECDC, Africa CDC, all the international experts have the same assessment. I just received the latest assessment this morning. It says the realistic European scenario is a single imported case, a traveler or returning health worker who becomes symptomatic after arrival, which well-resourced health systems are equipped to isolate and contain. So far, we had many recovered cases. In Ituri province, there are many armed groups. It's a very hard-to-reach area because of violence and combat. But if you can help patients at a very early stage, you will save their lives. The death toll rate is only 30 to 50 percent depending on health condition. We shouldn't spread fear and anxiety here. The right thing is monitoring. The advice from WHO and ECDC is to test those who are leaving at the exit, not entering our union. I will follow this advice as a strong defender of multilateralism and scientific-based information.”
  Government stockpiling of critical medicines
• 2026-06-03 “(15:58:06 – 15:58:11): Just to correct one information, there is indeed a medevac in Romania. ***Exchange of views in the series ‘Excellence in health science' on prevention of skin diseases and the public health risks associated with sunbed use”
  EU measures on lifestyle-related behaviours (smoking, drinking, eating, etc.)
• 2026-06-03 “(15:06:58 – 15:14:02): Thank you. Thank you, mister chair. Dear chair, honorable members, it's a real pleasure to be with you. In the past year, health has continued to make headlines in Europe and in the rest of the world. The hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks are clear reminders of the importance of strong and effective health emergency preparedness and response. Health threats easily cross borders. That is why coordination within the EU, but also internationally, is essential, and that is exactly what the preparedness union strategy is about. Last year, as our first concrete deliverables of this strategy, we adopted a medical countermeasures strategy. It builds on foundations led under the last mandate where you have to make Europe stronger and better protected. One thing is certain. When the next crisis hits, we won't face it alone. Hantavirus and Ebola proved once again global cooperation is not a luxury. It's a necessity. Three weeks ago, we presented the global health resilience initiative, our commitment in action. We will strengthen surveillance systems in third countries, share expertise on surge capacity, and support initiatives to speed up the development and access to the tools we need when outbreaks strike because a threat anywhere is a threat everywhere. Honorable members, over the past months, we have started turning our medical countermeasures strategy into concrete action, working with member states, with industry, civil society, and partners around the world. And earlier this year, we adopted our comprehensive health threats prioritization assessment, a shared EU level understanding of priority health threats. Ebola and hantavirus were already on that list. We are also investing in what protects us, new vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics through Horizon Europe and EU for Health. We are backing promising vaccine and therapeutics candidates against Ebola and hantaviruses. And we are donating medical equipment, including protective equipment to support the Ebola outbreak response. At the same time, we are supporting strengthening surveillance and sequencing capacities to help contain the outbreak. At the One Health Summit in Lyon last April, we committed €50,000,000 investment to develop new antibiotics against antimicrobial resistance and treatment for dengue. Together with our stockpiles of medical countermeasures, these investments are building real preparedness for all kinds of hazards. We will also tackle this information head on. As a former journalist, I have seen firsthand what fake news can do in a crisis. In health emergencies, reliable science-based information can save lives. Honorable members, we must keep health preparedness a priority in our next European budget. Europeans expect nothing less. Our civil protection mechanism and union support for health emergency preparedness and response instrument will anchor our operational response capacity. We must also make sure that innovation in medical countermeasures and the industrial capacity needed to produce them receive strong support through the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe. I count on your support in the upcoming negotiations. Preparedness means nothing if it doesn't reach everyone equally. As commissioner for equality, I'm committed to fixing a long-standing injustice. For too long, medicine was designed around male standards. Women paid a price with misdiagnosis and inadequate treatments and ignored symptoms that must end now. In our union, your health care cannot depend on your gender. This is a priority for our road map for women's rights and the new gender equality strategy I presented in March. We will soon launch a new initiative with the WHO to improve the quality and access of women's health care giving policymakers the evidence they need to act. We will also work with the European Medicines Agency to explore a gender sensitive check-in medicines development because a drug that works for men must also work for women. Through Horizon Europe, we are investing €220,000,000 in women's health research to better understand conditions that have been understudied for far too long. And we will do more for women's sexual and reproductive health and rights in Europe and beyond. In February, we responded positively to the citizens initiative, My Voice, My Choice, recognizing that unsafe abortion is a public health issue. This met the parliament's demand for a positive reply as expressed in the plenary resolution from last December. For the first time, EU funding can be used to support access to safe and legal abortion services where member states choose to use the European Social Funds Plus for that purpose. Honorable members, let me leave you with two convictions. First, health preparedness is not just a health issue. It's a security issue. The next outbreak is not a question of if, but a question of when. And when it comes, Europe must be ready. And second, women's health is not negotiable. When we fail to invest in it, women pay the price with their health across their entire lives, and society pays a price as well because it could be your mother, your wife, your daughter, and anyone else that you know. And so we all pay the price finally. This is a cost none of us can afford. So I continue. Let's build a union that is fairer, that is healthier, and better prepared for everyone. Thank you very much.”
  Antimicrobial resistance
• 2026-06-03 “(15:47:45 – 15:51:44): It's Poland. It's near, but it's able to respond. I totally agree. I said in my opening remarks that we need to combat disinformation. It is a clear public threat. I know better than anyone as a previous journalist what can be the effect and impact of misinformation. You can produce the best vaccine, but if people don't trust you, if they don't understand, they will not accept to use it. To have a community that can rely on our information is key. A good example is in Ituri province, where the Ebola outbreak is. Hospitals were burnt because people didn't understand that we refused to give back the body of the deceased as a prevention measure to avoid the spread of the virus. If they don't understand why you don't give back their beloved ones, of course, you create fear and anger. Information is really key. That's why we have this democracy shield. That's why, with EVP, we organized many gatherings, one with her, on misinformation and online violence, especially important for women in public life like many of you in this room. I think it is our responsibility to ensure citizens have access to reliable, certified, and science-based information. How to communicate better on women's health strategy? As I said, this is one of the first principles of our gender equality strategy, principle two. We have this WHO project, sexual and reproductive health and rights project with SHIELD and UNFPA. We are doing a lot. I try my best to communicate. I'm quite present on social media to spread good information, but I need your help. Especially with the withdrawal of the US from WHO, which is dramatic. You may have heard they decided to appoint a coordinator on Ebola because they have no one. They withdrew from all these international agencies and are quite isolated. They decided to ban and close borders to those coming from the region, which is exactly contrary to the advice given by WHO experts. We have to stand firm on science-based information from experts best placed to make good decisions. I will stop here because I spoke too much.”
  Vaccination
• 2026-06-03 “Answer given by Mrs Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 3.6.2026 Written question As established by the case-law of the Court of Justice, it is for the national courts in the national procedure that gave rise to the preliminary ruling to apply the interpretation of the Court of Justice. In the context of preliminary rulings, there is no formal correspondence comparable to Article 260 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union between the Commission and the Member States whose national court raised the question. As noted in the LGBTIQ+ [1] Strategy 2026-2030 [2] , EU free movement law, particularly Directive 2004/38/EC [3] together with fundamental rights under the Charter of Fundamental Rights [4] , upholds the right of all EU citizens and their family members, including same-sex spouses and partners and their children, to move and reside freely within the EU. The Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, is committed to ensuring the proper application of EU law, including EU free movement rules and relevant judgments of the Court of Justice. In addition, the Commission not only monitors the individual Member State’s compliance with the judgment but also ensures that all other Member States equally apply the standard set by the Court of Justice [5] . To that end, the Commission published, in December 2023, guidance on the right of free movement of EU citizens and their families [6] , which provides for the necessary clarifications on specific issues that have been identified when applying EU free movement law, including with regards to rainbow families, and building amongst others on the Coman and Others [7] and Stolichna obshtina, rayon "Pancharevo" [8] judgments of the Court of Justice. [1] Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people. [2] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combatting-discrimination/lesbian-gay-bi-trans-and-intersex-equality/lgbtiq-equality-strategy-2026-2030_en. [3] Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States amending Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 and repealing Directives 64/221/EEC, 68/360/EEC, 72/194/EEC, 73/148/EEC, 75/34/EEC, 75/35/EEC, 90/364/EEC, 90/365/EEC and 93/96/EEC, OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p. 77. [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/char_2012/oj/eng. [5] 2022 Commission Communication on ‘Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers’, page 7. [6] https://commission.europa.eu/publications/guidance-right-free-movement-eu-citizens-and-their-families_en [7] Judgment of the Court of 5 June 2018, Coman and Others , C-673/16, ECLI:EU:C:2018:385. [8] Judgment of the Court of 14 December 2021, Stolichna obshtina, rayon " Pancharevo ", C-490/20, ECLI:EU:C:2021:1008.”
  EU competences on human rights · LGBTIQ+
• 2026-05-28 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 28.5.2026 Written question The new Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 [1] , adopted on 5 March 2026, includes measures to advance gender equality in the employment, health and education sectors, in line with the Roadmap for Women’s Rights’ [2] principles. Measures related to employment are detailed, inter alia , in principles 3, 4 and 5 (equal pay, economic empowerment and financial independence; work-life balance and gender equality in care; equal employment opportunities and adequate working conditions). These range from the full implementation of the Pay Transparency Directive [3] to the adoption of an Action Plan for Women in Research, Innovation and Start-Ups. Measures related to health are outlined in principle 2 (the highest standards of physical and mental health), and include a new initiative with the World Health Organisation on women’s health. Measures related to education are outlined in principle 6 (high-quality inclusive education and training) and encompass a new ‘Boys in HEAL’ (Health, Education, Administration, Literacy) approach, as well as the publication of a handbook on reducing gender-based disparities in study choices and educational outcomes. The measures included in the Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 will also help meet relevant, existing targets, such as the target to halve the gender employment gap by 2030 set by the action plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights [4] , and the target of attracting one million girls to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics sectors by 2028 put forward by the Union of Skills strategy [5] . [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52026DC0113. [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0097. [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/970/oj/eng. [4] https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/european-pillar-social-rights-building-fairer-and-more-inclusive-european-union/european-pillar-social-rights-action-plan_en. [5] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/competitiveness/union-skills_en.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2026-05-28 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 28.5.2026 Written question The Roadmap for Women’s Rights [1] underlines the importance of women’s health as part of gender equality. Challenges persist in advancing women’s access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 [2] mentions that women’s health experiences and conditions, such as menstruation and endometriosis, have not received sufficient attention in health research or treatment. In 2028, the Commission will launch a study on the economic and societal benefits of closing the women’s health gap related to certain conditions, such as menopause. This could cover also endometriosis. In order to protect women’s health by supporting and complementing Member States’ health action regarding women’s access to SRHR, the Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 announces a mapping of practices and international frameworks in this area, as well as a framework and methodology for systemic data collection to improve the evidence base on SRHR. The Commission has mainstreamed and will continue to mainstream gender in health policy and research. The Commission supports Member States in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) [3] , including conditions such as endometriosis, through the ‘Healthier Together’ EU NCD initiative [4] with the financial support of the EU4Health programme [5] . The commission also provides targeted funding on women’s health issues [6] — such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome — under the framework Programmes for Research and Innovation (Horizon 2020 [7] and Horizon Europe [8] ). One example is the project EUmetriosis: Transforming endometriosis care in Europe: an integrated approach to enhance understanding, diagnosis, tailored management and patient empowerment [9] . [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/gender-equality/gender-equality-strategy_en. [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52026DC0113&qid=1776936860701. [3] https://ec.europa.eu/health/non_communicable_diseases/overview_en. [4] https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/eu-non-communicable-diseases-ncds-initiative-guidance-document_en. [5] https://health.ec.europa.eu/funding/eu4health-programme-2021-2027-vision-healthier-european-union_en. [6] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/health/womens-health_en. [7] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-2020_en. [8] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en. [9] https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101157146.”
  EU competences on health · Sexuality and reproduction
• 2026-05-27 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 27.5.2026 Written question The Commission, through the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030 is advancing to address the needs of persons with disabilities, including deaf persons. This Strategy will be further enhanced by an upcoming Communication. The Commission is committed to lead by example as a public administration. In 2024 and 2025, it provided International Sign at 60 press conferences and midday briefings and at 14 events [1] . The consultation process for the enhanced Strategy included different meetings with stakeholders, in which International Sign was available for providing feedback. However, as the open public consultation was done in writing format; hence it only sought written feedback. In this regard, it accommodated different accessibility needs by providing a standard and easy-to-read (ETR) form [2] to fill online, and offline with an accessible word document to send by email. ETR versions for the call for evidence and the Have Your Say data protection statement were also provided. Since 2022, the Commission has been updating and aligning its web presence to comply with the European accessibility standard EN 301 549, which does not require the provision of sign language as an alternative or complement to content in text or video . The Commission is nevertheless working on increasing the availability of International Sign in video. For example, the weekly College readout and the live broadcast of the President’s State of the Union include International Sign. [1] Including, for example, the Erasmus+ Sport Info Day or the European Day of Persons with Disabilities Conference. [2] The standard forms and the easy-to-read versions were provided in all EU languages.”
  EU policy on disability inclusion & accessibility · Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• 2026-05-27 “Qui n'a pas de principes ? Tout le monde a des principes ! Mais ce n'est que lorsqu'ils sont soumis à rude épreuve, que l'on sait s'ils seront plus que des principes… Ce n'est qu'une fois confronté à la dure réalité, celle qui exige le choix du courage et du sacrifice, que l'on sait si nos principes sont plus que des postures. C'est ce qui nous arrive aujourd'hui, nos principes européens sont mis à l'épreuve. Chaque jour, des règles que nous pensions établies sont remises en question. Ou simplement mis de côté. Alors nous nous demandons inévitablement : Nos principes européens sont-ils solides ? Font-ils partie de ce que nous sommes vraiment ? Ou sont-ils simplement de belles paroles que nous gardons pour les discours et oublions dès qu'ils nous font perdre quelque chose ? Il y a 75 ans, Robert Schuman a eu une vision. Que des nations qui autrefois utilisaient leur force pour se tirer dessus pouvaient utiliser ces mêmes moyens, pour construire la paix ensemble. Cette vision est devenue l'Union européenne. Et cette vision ne s'arrêtait pas à nous-même, à notre continent. Il s'agissait d'une conviction plus profonde : que notre humanité, notre sécurité et notre avenir sont indissociables du reste du monde. Que ce qui arrive aux gens de l'autre côté des océans compte pour nous. La souffrance ne s'arrête pas aux frontières. Cette vision, puissante, nous y croyons encore aujourd'hui, elle est encore et toujours au cœur du projet européen. Un projet de solidarité, de prospérité et de paix, dans un monde qui l'est de moins en moins. Le tableau est sombre : près de 240 millions de personnes ont besoin d'aide humanitaire pour survivre. Si ces gens formaient une nation, ce serait la cinquième plus grande sur Terre. Ce serait l'entièreté de la population de l'Allemagne, de la France, de l'Italie et de la Belgique. Il y a vingt ans, 30 millions de personnes dépendaient de l'aide humanitaire. Ainsi, en une génération, ce nombre a été multiplié par huit. Pas doublé. Pas triplé. Octuplé. Un enfant sur cinq, vit dans une zone de guerre ou en fuit une. Un demi-milliard d'enfants. Toute une génération sous le feu des conflits armés. Il existe aujourd'hui environ 130 conflits actifs dans le monde. C'est plus du double qu'il y a quinze ans. Et près de 120 millions de personnes ont été contraintes de quitter leur maison l'année dernière. Du jamais vu depuis la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Comment décrire ces phénomènes ? Il ne s'agit pas d'une tendance, non, c'est une situation inédite, qui exige une réponse inédite. L'ampleur des besoins humanitaire demande une révolution de notre aide humanitaire. Cette révolution est au centre de notre appel aujourd'hui. Nous devons faire les choses autrement : être plus efficace, plus rapide, plus proche de ceux qui sont dans le besoin, être plus inclusif aussi… Nous nous sommes mis au travail, en tant que premier donateur humanitaire au monde, avec nos partenaires de l'ONU pour réformer le système humanitaire mondial. Et nous nous savons soutenus par nos citoyens. Neuf Européens sur dix sont fiers de voir leur Union jouer un rôle majeur dans l'aide humanitaire. Un rappel puissant que la solidarité fait partie intégrante de ce que nous sommes. Et cette mission s'inscrit dans une autre de nos valeurs : celle du multilatéralisme, que nous défendrons toujours, car elle est garante du droit international et nous croyons dans un monde basé sur des règles. Today I am proud to present this Humanitarian Communication, also on behalf of High Representative Kallas. It is a call to our shared humanity, to our European principles, and to strong, collective action for people in need. It is built on three priorities: protect, perform, and partner. First, we must protect humanitarian access. Aid must reach people in desperate need, no obstacles, no exceptions. That means defending international humanitarian law, no matter where it is under threat. We must use Europe's political weight to open doors when aid is blocked and civilians are trapped. Making sure a truck carrying food gets through a checkpoint, children have a roof over their heads, and a hospital has power to keep the lights on. We want to strengthen EU humanitarian diplomacy, so we can deliver more results on the ground. It will be at the heart of our foreign policy. Humanitarian diplomacy is how we turn our values into action and secure access for aid workers, protect civilians, and deliver help to people who need it most. In many crises, it is the only channel still open when political dialogue has broken down. I saw what is at stake during my visit to the Great Lakes Region, where civilians are trapped between bullets and hunger. I met directly with presidents or ministers in the DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda, as well as with aid workers, civil society, and refugees. I also met with AFC/M23 rebels. We got results that eased the suffering of women, children, and men who have lost everything. But we need to do more. Long-term results take time and sustained effort. This work continues. First, we need to agree on common goals and clearer ways of working together between the Commission, the EEAS, and our EU Special Representatives. We also need to strengthen our Team Europe approach. That means better coordination with Member States, speaking with one voice, and delivering common messages and taking common action in contexts where international humanitarian law is being violated. It means humanitarians, donors, and diplomats working together, not in parallel, to increase the pressure on those who break the rules. It means funding humanitarian organisations so they can advocate effectively for the respect of international humanitarian law. It also means coordinating our communications to push back against the disinformation that targets aid workers and undermines their work. Speaking of humanitarian workers, the violence against them has reached unprecedented levels. Last year, over 300 aid workers were killed, nearly 200 injured, and over 100 kidnapped, the vast majority of them local staff. Humanitarian workers are not targets. They are silent heroes, and they must be protected. I have met these men and women, most recently with the Lebanese Red Cross in Beirut, working around the clock as bombs fall around them. There, more than 100 healthcare workers have been killed and hundreds more injured. We will do more to protect them through financial support and capacity building and through security training, especially for local workers. They must have the knowledge and tools to operate safely to protect themselves and the civilians they serve. We have already launched the “Protect Aid Workers” program in several countries, and we will expand it into a global programme to improve care and support for the victims and survivors of attacks. Over the past year and a half, I have visited many refugee camps, where I saw women and children suffering. In every crisis, they are the first victims, paying the highest price. So we are launching SHIELD, Sexual and Reproductive Health in Emergencies and Life in Dignity to improve access to sexual and reproductive healthcare in crises and to strengthen support for survivors of gender-based violence. Our second priority is making sure the humanitarian system performs under pressure, especially with fewer resources. As needs keep rising, the funding falls further behind. So we need to change the way we work. Every euro must go further and faster. That is why we are reforming humanitarian supply chains. Logistics account for 60 to 80% of all humanitarian spending. We need to cut waste and save money. Every euro saved on logistics is a euro spent on a loaf of bread or a vaccine for a child. Right now, most organisations use their own transport, their own warehouses, their own suppliers. That duplication costs lives and money. We will help them procure together, buy locally, pool warehouses, share cargo, share data, pre-position supplies, and use Artificial Intelligence to do it smarter. I saw this firsthand in Panama, where the EU and UN share warehouses and cut costs. When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, supplies got there fast. That is the model. We also need to transform how we provide funding. For example, we will also scale up cash assistance. The evidence is clear: with the same funding, cash reaches 30% more people than in-kind aid. It is more efficient, more dignified, and it strengthens local economies. People choose what they need. That is not just smarter aid, it is more respectful aid. We also need to work more closely with our local partners. We will increase our funding, with a target of 25% localisation by 2027, more than double compared to last year. This gives our local partners real ownership, strengthening their capacity and bringing humanitarian action closer to communities. Concretely, our international partners will now have to explain in their funding proposals how affected communities and local actors are involved in designing and delivering assistance. We also need good data. Data we can access fast, we can trust, and we can compare, across countries, across crises, and across organisations. Right now, everyone collects data differently, which creates gaps and duplication. That is why we are pushing for shared data, using every available tool, including AI and satellite technology. Our third priority is partnerships. There is no humanitarian solution to a humanitarian crisis. Fragility and crises are driven by conflict, climate change, and weak governance. Over half of the world's refugees come from extremely fragile countries, and up to 70% of asylum seekers in the EU come from fragile situations. If we want to reduce humanitarian need over time, we cannot only respond. We must better connect humanitarian action with development and with peace, what we call the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. That is why we have developed an integrated EU approach to fragility. I welcome the commitment of High Representative Kallas, Commissioners Síkela and Šuica, and other colleagues to make this a reality. I saw what this looks like in practice last year in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Local Bangladeshi women farmers, supported by EU development funding, growing and selling food. That food then goes to assist Rohingya refugees, through our humanitarian partners. It empowers local communities, creates livelihoods, and reduces the tensions that come with hosting large numbers of refugees. It is far more efficient than flying food in from the other side of the world. Sustainable. Circular. Dignified. We must also build new alliances with third-country donors, international organisations, financial institutions, the private sector, philanthropies, and local partners on the ground. Syria shows exactly why this integrated approach and broader partnerships matter. Syria has depended on humanitarian aid for years, but now it needs to function as a country, moving from emergency assistance to recovery and real development. I have met Syrians in refugee camps who desperately want to go back. But they have no homes to return to. No jobs, no schools, no security. Our task now is to help build the conditions that make return possible. Partnership is the only way to match the scale and complexity of today's crises. In a world where more and more leaders ask one ruthless question: “What's in it for me? What is my interest” In that world, we have to ask: where does Europe stand? We always thought the answer was simple. But today, it is not. Europe is choosing a path based on fairness, cooperation, and something that should never need defending: human compassion. Compassion for the most vulnerable, wherever they are. Whatever their race, their religion, or the colour of their skin. This is not naïve. These are tried and tested principles throughout European history. It is who we are.”
  EU Development & Humanitarian Aid
• 2026-05-27 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 27.5.2026 Written question The Commission is committed to upholding children’s and women’s rights within the framework of its competences. The exploitation of surrogacy is included as a form of exploitation in the Anti-Trafficking Directive [1] . The directive targets those who coerce or deceive women into acting as surrogate mothers, without prejudice to national rules on surrogacy, including criminal and family law. Substantive family law, including rules on surrogacy, falls within the competence of the Member States. Each Member State thus decides its policy and legal position as regards surrogacy. However, the EU has competence under Article 81(3) TFEU to adopt measures of family law with cross-border implications. It is on this basis that the Commission adopted the proposal on the recognition of parenthood between Member States [2] . Given that, under international law [3] and EU law (including the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights ) , all children without distinction have the same rights, the Commission proposal covers the recognition of parenthood established in a Member State irrespective of how the child was conceived or born and irrespective of the child’s type of family. Under the control of the Court of Justice and within the limits of the Court’s case law, Member States can invoke public policy to refuse the recognition of parenthood. The recognition of parenthood established in a third country will continue to be governed by national law. However, in applying their national law on the recognition of parenthood, Member States must respect their human rights obligations under international law, in particular the case law of the European Court of Human Rights on the recognition of the parenthood of children born abroad through surrogacy. [1] Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/629/JHA (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/36/oj/eng), amended by Directive (EU) 2024/1712 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 amending Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1712/oj/eng). [2] COM(2022) 695 final. [3] I n particular, the UN Convention on the Rights of children and the European Convention of Human Rights.”
  EU competences on human rights · Regulation of surrogate pregnancy · EU and national cultural identities
• 2026-05-22 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 22.5.2026 Written question As outlined in the 2026-2030 Gender Equality Strategy [1] , the Commission will strengthen monitoring of the gender pension gap and poverty risks among women aged 65+, analysing root causes (gender employment and pay gaps, part-time work disparities) via the social scoreboard. The Commission will also map best practices on addressing the gender pension gap and publish the 2027 report on adequate social protection in old age, detailing older women’s socioeconomic challenges and persistent pension and poverty gender gaps. Within the framework of the European Semester, the Commission systematically assesses relevant indicators to inform targeted policy responses and makes recommendations to Member States, as appropriate. The Commission proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, which includes National and Regional Partnership Plans, will rely on the European Semester as one of the elements of the reference framework underpinning the programming and design of the plans. The proposal also envisages social cohesion, social inclusion, equal opportunities, access to services and associated infrastructure and supporting strong social safety nets as specific objectives. Moreover, the proposed Performance Regulation makes gender equality a horizontal principle, embedding it across EU funding through gender-disaggregated indicators and expenditure tracking to assess the performance. The Commission’s proposal is under negotiation between the Council and the Parliament. [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/gender-equality/gender-equality-strategy_en.”
  EU policy on aging workforce and pensions · EU competences on social policies · Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2026-05-21 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 21.5.2026 Written question In its formal response [1] to the ‘My Voice, My Choice’ European Citizens’ Initiative, the Commission does not introduce a new funding area under the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) [2] . One of the specific objectives of the ESF+, set out in Article 4(1)(k), is that of enhancing equal and timely access to quality, sustainable and affordable services, including access to person-centred care including healthcare. Therefore, the ESF+ can support initiatives, selected at national level, that aim to ensure and enhance equal and timely access to healthcare services . These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance social cohesion and improve the overall quality of life for everyone living in the EU. The Commission Communication [3] explicitly states that any Member State action in response to this initiative would have to remain fully neutral as to where the patients come from, and could not therefore be targeted or limited to patients from other Member States. The Commission’s follow up to the initiative is fully in line with EU law and the division of competences between the EU and the Member States. In its formal response, the Commission recalls that any financial support for Member State action promoting health must comply with the limitations set out in Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. Therefore, the Commission stresses that it is for Member States to decide whether they want to allocate resources received though ESF+ to abortion care, and that Member States remain competent for organising the delivery of this health service. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52026XC01383. [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021R1057. [3] See footnote 1.”
  Abortion policy · EU competences on health
• 2026-05-18 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 18.5.2026 Written question The Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 [1] recognises the crucial role of men and boys, as agents and beneficiaries of gender equality. It recognises that gender inequalities significantly impact access to healthcare and that gender norms associated with traditional masculinity can adversely affect men and boys’ health, including discouraging help-seeking and increasing engagement in harmful behaviours. The strategy refers to gender mainstreaming in health research under the framework Programme for Research and Innovation (Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe) [2] and into the health actions of the EU, including the EU4Health programme [3] . The communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health [4] supports a comprehensive and inclusive life-course approach that focuses on effective prevention and access to care for all population groups, including men. Life expectancy and healthy longevity are extensively covered in the Health at a Glance 2024 report [5] and informed actions under the EU4Health programme. The EU Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) acquis [6] , comprising the framework Directive [7] and related OSH Directives, ensures a minimum level of protection against OSH risks and requires employers to carry out a risk assessment and implement preventive and protective measures, also considering gender aspects. The EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027 [8] aims to improve prevention of workplace accidents and illnesses and addresses also psychosocial risks at work. The Gender Equality Strategy refers to the upcoming Healthy Workplace Campaign on mental health and psychosocial risks at work of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work in 2026 [9] . [1] https://commission.europa.eu/document/1f5fa936-9fba-4435-93f5-32fa220bac82_en. [2] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/health_en. [3] https://health.ec.europa.eu/funding/eu4health-programme-2021-2027-vision-healthier-european-union_en. [4] https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/comprehensive-approach-mental-health_en. [5] https://health.ec.europa.eu/state-health-eu/health-glance-europe/health-glance-europe-2024_en. [6] https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/rights-work/health-and-safety-work_en. [7] Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/1989/391/2008-12-11/eng. [8] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021DC0323. [9] https://commission.europa.eu/document/1f5fa936-9fba-4435-93f5-32fa220bac82_en.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2026-05-13 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 13.5.2026 Written question The Commission supports policies for families and carers, such as the Work-Life Balance Directive establishing paid parental leave [1] , and the implementation of the Barcelona targets for 2030 [2] , which encourage Member States to increase participation in accessible, affordable and high-quality early childhood education and care. These actions also take into consideration demographic developments, including ageing populations [3] , as highlighted in the Demography Toolbox [4] . However, decisions involving taxation, such as tax breaks for families with multiple children, fall firmly within the competence of the Member States. Article 33 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union [5] stipulates that the family shall enjoy legal, economic and social protection. In addition, the ‘Declaration of principles for a gender-equal society’ annexed to the Roadmap for Women's Rights [6] recognises in principle 4 the importance of promoting working conditions that facilitate the reconciliation of private, family and working life. [1] Article 8(3) of the directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/1158/oj. [2] Council Recommendation of 8 December 2022 on early childhood education and care: the Barcelona targets for 2030 2022/C 484/01 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:JOC_2022_484_R_0001. [3] Highlighted by Recitals 6 and 27 of the Work-Life Balance Directive. [4] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of Regions ‘Demographic change in Europe: a toolbox for action’, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52023DC0577. [5] Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, http://data.europa.eu/eli/treaty/char_2012/oj/. [6] Annex to the Roadmap on Women’s Rights — Declaration of principles for a gender-equal society https://commission.europa.eu/document/7d965089-e332-473a-88a9-e246f214e3bf_en.”
  Support for families · EU competences on demographic policy · EU strategy on population growth
• 2026-05-13 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 13.5.2026 Written question The Commission’s follow up to the Citizen’s initiative ‘My Voice, My Choice’ falls within the EU’s supportive competence. Any support must comply with the limitations in Article 168(7) TFEU. One of the specific objectives of the of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), set out in Article 4(1)(k), is that of enhancing equal and timely access to quality, sustainable and affordable services, including the access to person-centred care including healthcare [1] . Therefore, the ESF+ can support initiatives, selected at national level, that aim to ensure and enhance equal and timely access to healthcare services. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has held that the Treaty provisions on the freedom to provide services include the freedom for recipients of healthcare, including people in need of medical treatment [2] . With regard to medical termination of pregnancy carried out in line with the law of the country where it takes place, the CJEU has found that it ‘constitutes a service within the meaning of Article 57 TFEU [3] . The EU has in place ambitious legislation on maternity, paternity and non-transferable paid parental leave, through the Work-Life Balance [4] and Pregnant Workers Directives [5] . The Commission will also contribute to combatting poverty through the upcoming EU Anti-Poverty Strategy. Since ESF+ is in shared management, the Commission is not diverting any resources, as Member States define their specific objectives for the use of the ESF+ funding. [1] Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013, OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, pp. 21-59, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1057/oj. [2] S ee Recital 26, Patients’Rights Directive, as well as judgments of 31 January 1984, Graziana Luisi and Giuseppe Carbone v Ministero del Tesoro, C-286/82 and 26/83, ECLI:EU:C:1984:35 and judgment of 28 April 1998 Kohll, C-158/96, paragraph 29 and subsequent case law. [3] See judgment of 4 October 1991, Grogan, C-159/90, where the CJEU confirmed that abortion care is a service under internal market law, meaning that citizens can travel abroad to obtain those medical services. [4] Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU, OJ L 188/79, ELI: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32019L1158. [5] Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (tenth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC), OJ L 348, 28.11.1992, pp. 1-7, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1992/85/oj .”
  EU competences on human rights · EU competences on health
• 2026-05-11 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 11.5.2026 Written question EU humanitarian funding aims to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable Venezuelans inside the country and in host countries across the region. It also supports disaster preparedness. EU-funded projects provide protection, health, nutrition and education in emergencies. The most vulnerable Venezuelans hosted in the region receive emergency medical services, food assistance, legal information, protection, education in emergencies and shelter. Targeting is based on identified needs. All EU-funded humanitarian actions are subject to a strict legal, financial, operational and audit framework to ensure that the assistance reaches those most in need in line with the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. None of these funds are channelled, directly or indirectly, through governments. EU humanitarian assistance is delivered through UN agencies, the Red Cross Movement and accredited international non-governmental organisations vetted by the EU, operating under UN coordination within the UN Humanitarian Response Plan and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs-managed Venezuela Humanitarian Fund. The EU exercises rigorous oversight and requires full accountability from implementing partners, including adherence to strict ethical and professional standards. To this end, the EU performs systematic ex ante due diligence and risk assessments, regular monitoring and audits of management and control systems. Where misuse of EU funds is identified, the funds are either not paid or recovered, and the partner may be rendered ineligible for future EU financing.”
  EU-Venezuela relations · Conditions to access EU humanitarian aid
• 2026-05-04 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 4.5.2026 Written question The Commission, through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre, remained in contact with the Portuguese authorities, which proactively activated the Copernicus Emergency Management Service Rapid Mapping to provide satellite mapping, and used the European Flood Awareness System and scientific multi-hazard early warning and monitoring services to anticipate support. Any country may request assistance via the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) when a disaster exceeds national capacities. As Portugal did not request such assistance, no additional support could be provided through the UCPM, since civil protection is a national competence. The Commission co-finances projects supporting Member States in disaster prevention and preparedness, which Portugal may consider. Following a request from Portugal to mobilise the agricultural reserve, the Commission will examine the possibility to adopt exceptional measures under Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 [1] . Under the 2023-2027 Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (CSP), Portugal has programmed up to EUR 23.6 million from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development for restoring agricultural and forestry potential after disasters, and EUR 41 million for insurance. Member States may also mobilise CSP funding for crisis payments. The EU Solidarity Fund may be activated at Portugal’s request within 12 weeks, provided the thresholds in Article 2 of Regulation (EC) 2012/2002 [2] are met. It covers certain public emergency and recovery costs; private damage is excluded. The Commission remains ready to assist. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/1308/oj/eng. [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2002/2012/oj/eng.”
  EU Development & Humanitarian Aid
• 2026-04-27 “E-000644/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Financial Regulation 1 sets out detailed rules for the selection and award of funds to entities, based on objective criteria. In the case of humanitarian support, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) need to undergo an assessment of their systems, rules and procedures identified in the Humanitarian Aid Regulation 2 , the Financial Regulation and international best practices 3 , before becoming certified under the EU Humanitarian Partnership 2021-2027 and being able to apply for EU humanitarian funding. Islamic Relief Worldwide did not undergo the ex-ante assessment and hence cannot apply for EU humanitarian funding. Further, Islamic Relief Sverige (Swedish NGO) and Islamic Relief Humanitäre Organisation in Deutschland e.V. (German NGO) met the criteria and were certified under the EU Humanitarian Partnership 2021-2027. Since their certification, neither organisation has received EU humanitarian funding. As a matter of principle, the Commission does neither discriminate on grounds of religion or beliefs nor classify partner organisations based on religious affiliation. The Commission takes a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to any misconduct by partner organisations receiving EU funds and will act should it become aware of any proven evidence in this respect. The safeguarding of the proper use of EU funds is further ensured by various mechanisms (for example, regular monitoring of NGOs to ensure their continued compliance with the standards mentioned above, suspension of contract or payments and contract termination) framed by the Financial Regulation and relevant agreements concluded with recipients of EU funds. 1 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (recast) (OJ L, 2024/2509, 26.09.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/2509/oj). 2 Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid (OJ L 163, 2.7.1996, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/1996/1257/oj). 3 In particular, for what relates to internal control systems, ethical standards, antifraud, anti-corruption and safeguarding policies. See more here: https://www.dgecho-partners-helpdesk.eu/ngo/humanitarian-partnership2021-2027/how-to-become-a-partner.”
  Support for international humanitarian organisations · Conditions to access EU humanitarian aid
• 2026-04-23 “E-000832/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission supports the rights of persons with disabilities through the implementation of the EU Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030 1 (the Strategy), which takes into account multiple forms of disabilities, including so-called invisible disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities or autism. The upcoming Communication on enhancing the strategy up to 2030, announced in the Commission Work Programme 2026 2 , will aim to reinforce action to guide the EU and Member States in their joint engagement to promote disability rights, including to support implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to which the EU and all Member States are parties 3 . The Strategy promotes inclusive education and accessible environments and calls on Member States to implement good practices of deinstitutionalisation, transitioning from institutional care to community support services, in line with the approaches reflected in the Commission Guidance on independent living in the context of EU funding 4 . The Guidance serves as a benchmark for transitioning from institutional care to community-based inclusion, providing guidance for doing so when using EU funds. The organisation of social protection, healthcare and education systems, including assessment of disability status and allocation of related benefits, are matters under the national competence of Member States. The Commission has made available EU funding under shared management programmes to address the shortcomings listed in the question and offers mutual learning and technical assistance to managing authorities to implement the approaches contained in the Commission Guidance. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/disability/unionequality-strategy-rights-persons-disabilities-2021-2030_en. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2026-commission-work-programme-and-annexes_en. 3 https://social.desa.un.org/issues/disability/crpd/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities-crpd. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52024XC07188&qid=1733304137184.”
  EU competences on social policies · EU policy on disability inclusion & accessibility
• 2026-04-17 “E-000815/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission proposal for a Directive establishing the European Disability Card (EDC) and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities (EPC) 1 provided for a photo of the cardholder on the reverse side of the EPC. However, during the negotiations of the proposal, the European Parliament and Council decided not to retain the photo on the EPC for privacy reasons. The agreed Directive (EU) 2024/2841 2 establishes common formats for the EDC and the EPC, which must be respected. The format of the EPC does not provide for additional information to be added by the Member States other than the data fields in Annex II of the Directive. The EPC will be issued in a physical version, which may be complemented by a digital version, if a Member State so decides. The physical version of the EPC will be placed inside the parked vehicle. As to enforcement checks, it should be noted that the card will be equipped with an interoperable QR code (quick response code), which will allow for verification of the card across borders by the relevant authorities. The Commission is preparing a delegated act to be adopted in accordance with Articles 7(7) and 8(7) of the Directive, which will, inter alia, lay down technical specifications for the QR codes and will provide for interoperability. 1 COM (2023) 512 final: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52023PC0512&qid=1773841937378. 2 Directive (EU) 2024/2841 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities: https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/2841/oj/eng.”
  Driving licences
• 2026-04-16 “E-000674/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission Pursuant to Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, EU action shall respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the definition of their health policy and for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care. It is therefore for Member States to regulate the right of healthcare providers to object to providing certain healthcare services on ethical grounds. As announced in the recently adopted Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030, in full respect of the Treaties, and in order to protect women’s health by supporting and complementing Member States’ health action regarding women’s access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, the Commission envisages to carry out a mapping of practices and international frameworks in this area. It also plans to develop a framework and methodology for systemic data collection to improve the evidence base on sexual and reproductive health and rights 1 . 1 Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 https://commission.europa.eu/document/1f5fa936-9fba-4435-93f532fa220bac82_en.”
  Sexuality and reproduction · Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2026-04-16 “P-000838/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1057, aims to improve social cohesion and economic well-being across the EU 1 . Recital 18 of the Regulation stipulates that the ESF+ should also be used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable, sustainable and high-quality services, such as healthcare. Therefore, the ESF+ can support initiatives, selected at national level, that aim to ensure and enhance equal and timely access to healthcare services, such as abortion. Article 7(4) of the Regulation stipulates that Member States shall allocate 25% of their resources to objectives for social inclusion, which includes enhancing equal and timely access to healthcare. The EU competence pursuant to Article 168(5) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, to provide financial support for healthcare services, encompasses sexual and reproductive healthcare services that are legal in a Member State, including services relating to legal abortions 2 . The ESF+ strand is implemented through shared management, however it leaves it to the Member States to identify which objectives are to be supported through their programmes. Therefore, if a Member State wishes to use its ESF+ resources to realise the objectives of the citizens’ initiative, it is necessary to ensure this is possible under their current programme. If not, the Member State concerned, who may still wish to use its ESF+ resources to realise the objectives of the citizens’ initiative, may decide to amend its programme to include this type of action. 1 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013, OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, pp. 21– 59, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1057/oj. 2 Communication from the Commission on the European Citizens' Initiative ‘My Voice, My Choice: For Safe and Accessible Abortion’, https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=C(2026)3225&lang=en.”
  EU competences on health · Abortion policy
• 2026-04-16 “P-001037/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The European citizens’ initiative ‘Ban on conversion practices in the EU’ 1 was submitted to the Commission on 17 November 2025, triggering the start of its six-month examination phase. By 18 May 2026 the Commission will provide its answer to the proposals included in the citizens’ initiative. The LGBTIQ+ equality strategy 2026-2030 2 announced a study analysing the nature, prevalence and impact of conversion practices on lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people. The Commission will also engage on this topic with Member States, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, in particular through the expert group on LGBTIQ+ equality. On this basis, the Commission will consider the most appropriate way forward to combat conversion practices, with a particular focus on supporting Member States, who play a crucial role in this area. 1 https://citizens-initiative.europa.eu/initiatives/details/2024/000001_en. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/b4952371-4308-47ad-b99502c539b75dda_en?filename=JUST_template_comingsoon_standard.pdf.”
  Sexuality and reproduction · LGBTIQ+
• 2026-04-14 “E-000697/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is fully committed to gender equality, including maternity protection and work-life balance, in line with the Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 1 . EU legislation protects against discrimination on grounds of sex in employment and selfemployment 2 . This applies across sectors. Directive 2006/54 establishes the right of women to return to their jobs or equivalent posts after maternity leave on terms and conditions which are no less favourable than before their absence 3 . In addition, Directive 92/85, protects employees who are pregnant, have given birth or are breastfeeding. The Directive provides for a right to maternity leave for a period of at least 14 weeks before and/or after the birth or adoption 4 . In line with Article 17a of Directive 89/391/EEC 5 , the Commission is reviewing the practical implementation in the Member States of, among other directives, Directive 92/85 during the period 2018-2022. The results of this review are expected to be published later in 2026. Directive (EU) 2019/1158 6 also provides for non-transferable paid parental leave, family related leaves, and prohibits dismissal and discrimination for having taken those leaves. The Commission is analysing the transposition and implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/1158 and will report on its implementation by 2028. This report will be accompanied by two studies on the rights to family leave for self-employed persons, and on interactions between the leaves provided for in the Directive and other types of family-related leaves such as adoption leave 7 . 1 COM(2026) 113 final, Gender equality strategy https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-andpolicy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/gender-equality/gender-equality-strategy_en. 2 Article 14 of Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (recast), OJ L 204, 26.7.2006, p. 23-36. https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2006/54/oj/eng. 3 Article 15 of Directive 2006/54/EC. 4 Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (tenth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A31992L0085. 5 Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work (OJ L 183 29.6.1989, p. 1), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A01989L0391-20081211&qid=1774418559221. 6 Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU, OJ L 188, 12.7.2019, p. 79-93. https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/1158/oj/eng. 7 Article 18 of Directive (EU) 2019/1158.”
  EU regulation of cross-border and posted workers · Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2026-04-13 “E-000749/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The obligation to ensure a high level of human health protection when drawing up and implementing all EU policies and activities is enshrined in Articles 9 and 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. Article 168(7) of the Treaty provides that EU action shall respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the definition of their health policy and for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care. In line with the Treaties, the Commission’s reply to the European Citizens’ Initiative ‘My Voice, My Choice’ 1 , does not create obligations for any Member State or healthcare practitioner to provide abortion services, in full respect of the Member States competence in this area. It is for the Member States, not for the EU, to regulate the right of healthcare providers to object to provide certain healthcare services on grounds of ethical convictions. 1 https://citizens-initiative.europa.eu/my-voice-my-choice-safe-and-accessible-abortion_en.”
  Abortion policy · EU competences on health
• 2026-04-10 “E-000446/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission recalls, as it has done on many occasions, its support to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) community in Hungary and in all Member States and has expressed full solidarity with the Pride events. The Commission is aware of the developments in Hungary described by the Honourable Members, concerning the bill of indictments against the Mayor of Budapest and the organiser of the Pécs’ Pride event, as well as the fine request. The Commission is also aware that on 5 March 2026, the Pest Central District Court suspended the criminal proceedings against the Budapest Mayor and requested that the Hungarian Constitutional Court examine whether certain legal provisions applied in the case, including the so-called ‘Child Protection’ Act, comply with constitutional principles and EU law. Similarly, on 10 March 2026, the criminal proceedings against the organiser of the Pécs pride event were suspended as a local court also turned to the Constitutional Court. The Commission will continue to follow the situation. An assessment of the Hungarian law related to the freedom of assembly is ongoing. The Commission has requested clarifications from the Hungarian authorities and is analysing the response received. The Commission has already brought in 2022 an infringement case to the Court of Justice of the EU against Hungary on the same ‘Child Protection’ Act 1 . In 2024, the Commission also referred Hungary to the Court of Justice, deeming that the law on the Protection of National Sovereignty breaches EU law 2 , and the Court agreed to the Commission’s request to deal with this case in an expedited procedure. These two cases are currently pending before the Court of Justice of the EU. 1 Case C-769/22, https://infocuria.curia.europa.eu/tabs/affair?sort=AFF_NUM-DESC&searchTerm=%22C769%2F22%22. 2 Case C-829/24, https://infocuria.curia.europa.eu/tabs/affair?sort=AFF_NUM-DESC&searchTerm=%22C829%2F24%22&publishedId=C-829%2F24.”
  LGBTIQ+
• 2026-04-09 “E-000262/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission Member States shall submit to the Commission a disaster risk management report 1 including risk assessment and risk management capability assessment, focusing on key risks and priority prevention and preparedness measures. Greece had initially failed to fulfil its obligations under Directive 2007/60/EC 2 on the assessment and management of flood risks, as it did not make the second Flood Risk Management Plans 3 available to the Commission by March 2022. Due to this delay, the Commission’s assessment of Greece’s second Flood Risk Management Plans is ongoing. Under Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 4 , responsibility for the selection and implementation of operations, including those related to flood prevention, lies with the Member States who are also required to ensure the evaluation of cohesion policy programmes to assess their impact. For the 2021–2027 programming period, Greece has allocated EUR 744 million (EU and national funding combined) to flood prevention and mitigation measures. In Attika, 13 antiflood projects were selected under the regional programme ‘Attiki’ and national programme ‘Environment and Climate Change’ 2021-2027 amounting to EUR 220 million. 1 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2025/0561/CO M_COM(2025)0561_EN.pdf. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32007L0060. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2025%3A2%3AFIN&qid=1738746144581. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R1060.”
  EU policy on water management
• 2026-03-27 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 27.3.2026 Written question The Commission set out its assessment of the My Voice My Choice European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) in its communication adopted on 26 February 2026 [1] . The ECI calls on the Commission to ‘submit a proposal for financial support to Member States that would be able to perform safe termination of pregnancies for anyone in Europe who still lacks access to safe and legal abortion’. In its reply to the initiative, the Commission outlines that the ECI’s objective can be met through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) , i n case Member States wish, voluntarily and in accordance with their national laws, to provide such support, notably by using or reallocating available resources under their national or regional programmes. In order to respect the boundaries of EU competence as set out in Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, any Member State action supported by ESF+ money must remain fully neutral as to where the patient comes from and cannot specifically target women from particular other Member States. [1] Communication from the Commission on the European Citizens' Initiative ‘My Voice, My Choice: For Safe and Accessible Abortion’, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52026XC01383.”
  EU competences on health · Abortion policy
• 2026-03-26 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 26.3.2026 Written question The Political Guidelines [1] reaffirm the commitment to a Union of Equality, which includes the need to combat age-based discrimination. EU legislation [2] prohibits age discrimination in employment and supports the enforcement of equality laws through relevant equality bodies [3] . The proposal for an Equal Treatment Directive [4] aims to fill a gap in EU law by extending protection against age discrimination to social protection, education and access to services, including housing. Age-related concerns are integrated in the strategy on Intergenerational Fairness [5] through the proposal of a Longevity Roadmap, or considered in the preparation of initiatives, such as the forthcoming anti-poverty strategy and the communication on e nhancing the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities up to 2030 . The European Care Strategy [6] and the Council Recommendation on long-term care [7] also encourage Member States to provide high-quality, affordable and accessible care services for all citizens across their lifespan. A recent study on age discrimination in the EU [8] carried out for the Commission provides an analysis of the state of play on age equality, maps existing actions, particularly at Member States’ level, and identifies gaps. Findings are supporting further work on the topic, including within the High-Level Group on non-discrimination, equality and diversity [9] (which previously issued a conclusion paper on ‘Age equality and non-discrimination on the grounds of age’ [10] i n 2024). The Commission is currently monitoring ongoing discussions on a United Nations convention on the rights of older persons. [1] https://commission.europa.eu/document/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en. [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2000/78/oj/eng. [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1499/oj/eng. [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52008PC0426. [5] https://ec.europa.eu/assets/eac/intergenerational-fairness-communication/intergenerational_fairness_strategy_layout.pdf. [6] https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/european-care-strategy-caregivers-and-care-receivers-2022-09-07_en. [7] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=oj:JOC_2022_476_R_0001. [8] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combatting-discrimination/age-discrimination_en#study-on-discrimination-on-the-grounds-of-age-in-the-eu . [9] https://commission.europa.eu/about/service-standards-and-principles/transparency/register-expert-groups_en. [10] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combatting-discrimination/tackling-discrimination/network-experts-field-anti-discrimination_en#conclusion-paper-of-the-high-level-group-on-non-discrimination-equality-and-diversity .”
  EU competences on social policies · EU policy on aging workforce and pensions
• 2026-03-26 “E-000541/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission Member States and local authorities are free to adopt urban vehicle access regulations to fulfil their obligations under Directive 2008/50/EC 1 . This complies with the principle of subsidiarity, which ensures that decisions are taken closely to the citizen, with continuous review of whether action at EU level is justified in the light of the possibilities available at national, regional or local level. Different verification and enforcement schemes in European cities are a result of different conditions in specific urban areas and different capacities of local administrations in terms of budget, staffing and technical adaptability. Nevertheless, to safeguard the freedom of movement of persons with disabilities, Directive (EU) 2024/2841 2 establishes the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities. It ensures that when holders of that card travel to or visit another Member State for a short stay or mobility programme, they are granted equal access to parking conditions and facilities reserved for persons with disabilities in that Member State 3 , including access to certain areas by motor vehicle where permitted. However, the Directive does not harmonise parking conditions reserved for persons with disabilities and does not affect Member States’ competence to grant special conditions or preferential treatment. The Commission remains committed to promoting the rights to free movement of persons with disabilities. By 5 June 2029, it will carry out an assessment of any remaining gaps relating to the free movement of persons with disabilities, which it will consider when deciding whether further action at EU level is required 4 . 1 Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe (OJ L 152, 11.6.2008, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2008/50/oj). 2 Directive (EU) 2024/2841 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities (OJ L, 2024/2841, 14.11.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/2841/oj). 3 Directive (EU) 2024/2841, articles 6, 3(6). 4 Directive (EU) 2024/2841, article 20.”
  Driving licences
• 2026-03-25 “E-000294/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The protection of children’s rights and the prevention and combating of gender-based violence remain key priorities for the Commission. The Roadmap for Women’s Rights 1 , reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to gender equality and the Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 put forward concrete actions contributing to the realisation of the Roadmap’s principles and objectives. The EU acceded to the Istanbul Convention as regards the parts that fall within the EU’s exclusive competence. The Convention provides the guiding framework to effectively combat gender-based violence. In the absence of a cross-border dimension, any rules of substantive family law, such as rules governing the custody and parental access rights and principles of child protection, relating to the concept of ‘parental alienation’, do not fall under EU competence. The landmark Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence 2 applies to all victims and recognizes the need to protect child victims of domestic violence. The definition of a victim includes children who have suffered harm because they have witnessed domestic violence. This will give children a more central role in criminal justice procedures. The next meeting of the EU Network on the prevention of gender-based and domestic violence 3 on 26-27 March 2026, entitled Turning Best Practices into Action: Combating Domestic Violence more efficiently in the EU, will include a session on Child custody, visitation rights and domestic violence, giving Member states the opportunity to share best practices in this field. 1 European Commission - A Roadmap for Women's Rights (COM/2025/97 final). 2 Directive (EU) 2024/1385 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on combating violence against women and domestic violence, OJ L, 2024/1385, 24.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/oj. 3 https://commission.europa.eu/eu-network-prevention-gender-based-violence-and-domestic-violence_en.”
  Support for families · Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2026-03-19 “E-000358/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has requested the European Standardisation organisations 1 to develop standards to support the implementation of accessibility legislation, in particular the European Accessibility Act 2 (EAA). It includes EN 17210 on accessibility and usability of the built environment and EN 301549 on accessibility requirements for information and communication technologies products and services. Establishments such as restaurants, bars and cafés are free to self-declare their compliance with these voluntary standards, should they choose to apply them. However, at this stage, the Commission does not plan to introduce an ‘accessibility sticker’ in these establishments. Regarding the online visibility of information on accessibility, it is useful to recall that a range of EU instruments address accessibility concerns. The Digital Services Act 3 (DSA) aims to contribute to the proper functioning of the internal market for providers of intermediary services by setting out rules for a safe, predictable and trustworthy online environment in which fundamental rights, including the principle of consumer protection, are effectively protected. The DSA requires the Commission to facilitate and encourage the development of codes of conduct to facilitate accessibility and address the particular needs of persons with disabilities. In particular, the DSA refers back to the EAA regarding the definition of persons with disabilities (see Article 3(v) of DSA). 1 Standardisation request M/587, https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/enorm/mandate/587_en. 2 Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the accessibility requirements for products and services, OJ L 151, 7.6.2019, pp. 70–115. 3 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act), OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, pp. 1–102.”
  EU policy on disability inclusion & accessibility
• 2026-03-19 “E-000288/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission As already set out in the replies to written questions P-004175/2025 1 , E-004108/2025 2 , E004040/2025 3 and E-004172/2025 4 , the Commission is firmly committed both to protecting children and to safeguarding the fundamental rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, nonbinary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people. These objectives are not mutually exclusive and must be pursued together, in full respect of the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights 5 (the Charter). Article 24 of the Charter provides that children have the right to express their views freely in all matters concerning them, and that those views must be taken into account in accordance with their age and maturity 6 . This provision does not affect national rules on legal capacity, nor does it predetermine specific procedural models for legal gender recognition. Rather, it requires – where the Charter is applicable pursuant to its Article 51(1), i.e. to the Member States only when they are implementing EU law - that, in any process affecting a child, the child’s best interests are a primary consideration and that their voice is duly heard and assessed appropriately, in line with the principle of evolving capacities 7 , which recognises that children’s ability to make decisions grows with age and maturity. The Commission fully respects Member States’ competences in determining the conditions and procedures for legal gender recognition, while encouraging them to ensure that such frameworks respect the child’s right to be heard and that any limitations are proportionate to the child’s best interests. The LGBTIQ+ equality strategy 2026–2030 8 aims to ensure equal treatment and protection from discrimination for all persons, including children, in line with EU law. 1 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-10-2025-004175-ASW_EN.html. 2 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-004108_EN.html. 3 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-004040_EN.html. 4 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-004172_EN.html. 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/char_2012/oj/eng. 6 In line with article 12 of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child. 7 Article 5 of the UNCRC, to which all Members States are party. 8 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/b4952371-4308-47ad-b99502c539b75dda_en?filename=JUST_template_comingsoon_standard.pdf.”
  LGBTIQ+ · Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2026-03-18 “E-000430/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission From the onset, the Commission, through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) 1 , has been in continuous contact with the Portuguese civil protection authorities. Through the ERCC, Portugal has proactively activated the Copernicus Emergency Management Service Rapid Mapping 2 , which provided satellite mapping, supporting the response efforts on the ground. The Commission has actively used the European Flood Awareness System 3 and scientific multi-hazard early warning and monitoring services 4 , to anticipate necessary support. Any country can request assistance through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, in the event of a disaster that exceeds its national capacities 5 . Portugal’s national authorities have not requested such assistance for Storm Kristin. 1 https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/emergency-response-coordinationcentre-ercc_en. 2 https://mapping.emergency.copernicus.eu/. 3 It provides forecast and disseminates notifications for potential flooding. 4 Through the ARISTOTLE Scientific Partnership, a consortium of meteorological and geophysical institutes across Europe. 5 https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en.”
  Climate efforts
• 2026-03-18 “P-000402/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission From the onset, the Commission, through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) 1 , was in contact with the Portuguese civil protection authorities. Portugal proactively activated the Copernicus Emergency Management Service Rapid Mapping, which provided satellite mapping, to support response efforts. The Commission used the European Flood Awareness System 2 and the scientific multi-hazard early warning and monitoring services 3 . Any country can request assistance through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, if a disaster exceeds its national capacities 4 . Portugal did not request assistance for storm Kristin. The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) 5 can be activated by Portugal, within a deadline of twelve weeks as from when the first damage occurred, demonstrating the direct damage exceeds the thresholds specified in Article 2 of the Council Regulation (EC) 2012/2002 6 . The EUSF may cover part of the costs for emergency and recovery operations incurred by public authorities. Private damage is not eligible. The European Regional Development Fund could support the construction and upgrade of infrastructure to improve the resilience of the territory. In Portugal, EUR 574 million is already dedicated to measures related to climate change adaptation, prevention and management of climate related risks. The authorities can request an amendment of their cohesion policy programmes to increase the funds earmarked for reconstruction efforts. Following a request from Portugal on agriculture, the Commission will examine the possibility to adopt exceptional measures under Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 7 . As part of the Preparedness Union Strategy, the Commission will adopt in 2026 a European Integrated Framework for Climate Resilience. 1 https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/emergency-response-coordinationcentre-ercc_en. 2 It provides forecast and disseminates notifications for potential flooding. 3 Through the ARISTOTLE Scientific Partnership, a consortium of meteorological and geophysical institutes across Europe. 4 https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en. 5 Council Regulation (EC) 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 on establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012). 6 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32002R2012. 7 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/1308/oj/eng.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2026-03-17 “P-000238/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/788 1 on the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) provides for rules on transparency from the group of organisers on the sources of funding. Based on the information published 2 by the organisers of the said ECI, the sources of funding are available for transparency and accountability. Amongst its listed sponsors, only the Zavod Raziskovalni inštitut 8. marec is a beneficiary of EU funding 3 . The Zavod Raziskovalni inštitut 8. marec is a member of a consortium that has been awarded funding for the implementation of an action grant to foster active civic participation among youth and civil society across the Western Balkans. Any EU funding received through a grant agreement has to be used for the purposes specified in this agreement, in accordance with the objectives of the relevant EU programme. Therefore, all the costs reported by the consortium during the reporting periods must be linked to the activities described in Annex I (description of the action (DoA)) of the grant agreement. The Commission does not instruct beneficiaries to support particular positions in their described activities. It requires the activities to be carried out by beneficiaries in accordance with the DoA Furthermore, the Commission has issued guidance 4 applicable to all spending programmes clarifying that advocacy activities in relation to EU legislation and policy should not be mandated as a requirement or condition for EU financing. 1 Regulation (EU) 2019/788 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the European citizens' initiative (Text with EEA relevance.), http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/788/oj. 2 https://citizens-initiative.europa.eu/initiatives/details/2024/000004_en. 3 Project ID 101253246, https://ec.europa.eu/info/fundingtenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projectsdetails/43251589/101253246/CERV?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=100&sortBy=es_SortDate&prog rammePeriod=2021%20-%202027&frameworkProgramme=43251589&topicAbbreviation=CERV-2025CITIZENS-CIV. 4 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/guidance-fundingdev-impl-monit-enforce-of-eu-law_en.pdf.”
  Sexuality and reproduction · Abortion policy
• 2026-03-12 “P-000575/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The process introduced by the Israeli authorities to re-register international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) is currently underway. If these INGOs are ultimately deregistered in Israel, the consequences would be far-reaching, severely constraining the capacity to scale up and sustain the highly needed response in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. It should be noted that the INGOs with which the Commission works hold valid registrations with the Palestinian Authority. In 2025 alone 1 , INGOs delivered across the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) over 50% of the USD 1.3 billion in humanitarian assistance through bilateral agreements with donors. In addition, INGOs delivered a substantial share of the assistance that the UN received, given that UN agencies often heavily rely on national and INGOs for last-mile delivery. Therefore, INGOs are central to the humanitarian response. The EU implements rigorous safeguards and EU humanitarian funding is allocated exclusively to partners that demonstrate compliance with humanitarian principles, have proven operational and financial capacity, and fulfil the eligibility and due-diligence requirements set out in the EU’s certification process 2 . Partners are also required to put in place effective and efficient internal control systems and risk-management mechanisms. If there is clear evidence that any organisation has made inappropriate use of EU funds, these funds are recovered, and the grantee may lose eligibility for future EU funding. 1 For 2026 humanitarian funds it is not possible to make an estimation since the Commission is currently assessing partners proposals. 2 https://www.dgecho-partners-helpdesk.eu/ngo/humanitarian-partnership-2021-2027/how-to-become-a-partner.”
  Support for international humanitarian organisations · Conditions to access EU humanitarian aid
• 2026-02-26 “E-004637/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) is a service of the Commission, not an EU decentralised agency. HERA is fully integrated into the Commission’s administrative, financial and governance framework. The European Court of Auditors (ECA) systematically audits HERA’s budget and financial transactions as part of its audits of the Commission. The implementation of HERA’s budget is subject to the same budgetary control procedures as the other Commission services, with ensured political accountability. HERA mobilises funds under various programmes, with budgets set by the budgetary authority. For 2022-2027, HERA draws its budget from the EU budget with a budget initially estimated at EUR 6 billion 1 and subsequently adjusted downwards by the budgetary authority as part of the midterm revision of the current multi-annual financial framework 2 . 1 See COM(2021) 576 of 16.09.2021. 2 See Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/765 of 29 February 2024 amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• 2026-02-13 “E-004687/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence 1 aims to ensure that all victims of violence against women and domestic violence across Europe can benefit from the same comprehensive set of strong measures of prevention, protection, support, access to justice and improved coordination and cooperation. In this regard, Article 25 of the Directive obliges Member States to ensure that specialist support services are available for victims and Member States are obliged to ensure that sufficient human and financial resources are available to provide these specialist support services. Recital 58 of the Directive further clarifies that specialist support could be provided by public authorities, victims’ support organisations, or other non-governmental organisations, taking into account the geography and demographic composition of the Member States. In addition, Member States are obliged to cooperate and hold regular consultations with civil society organisations, including non-governmental organisations working with victims, concerning the provision of adequate support to victims. Member States, including Greece, will need to implement this Directive by June 2027. During this period, the Commission is and will be holding implementation workshops to steer the timely and complete transposition of the Directive. 1 Directive (EU) 2024/1385 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on combating violence against women and domestic violence, OJ of 24.5.2024, L p. 1.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2026-02-10 “P-000016/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is unequivocal that the non-governmental organisation (NGO) registration law cannot be implemented in its current form 1 , as reiterated in the joint statement 2 by the High-Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management and Commissioner for the Mediterranean, on 6 January 2026. The current process, and the pending de-registration of 37 international NGOs (INGOs), is an obstacle to the delivery of aid in Gaza. The EU has been raising these issues with Israeli authorities and partners, including through diplomatic engagement with the Israeli Foreign Minister. The Commission advocates for a registration framework based on clear criteria, minimal administrative requirements and streamlined renewal procedures, that respects international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles. INGOs are essential to enable the scaling up of assistance and delivery of critical services. The Commission will continue to support its certified EU INGOs, as long as they can operate and has no intention of suspending its humanitarian funding to INGOs in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. After the review of Israel’s obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement 3 , conducted by HR/VP for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy with the support of a majority of Member States, the Commission proposed to partially suspend the participation of Israel in Horizon Europe 4 . Commission President announced a set of measures in her 2025 State of the Union to address the deteriorating situation in Gaza and in the West Bank 5 . The latter was addressed in every Foreign Affairs Council since 7 October 2023, and discussions continue in the Council. 1 On 18 December 2025, the European Council called for immediate and unhindered access to humanitarian aid, along with its sustained delivery across Gaza, and emphasised that the UN, its agencies, and humanitarian organisations must be able to operate independently and impartially. https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/12/18/european-council-conclusions-on-themiddle-east-european-defence-and-security-next-mff-enlargement-and-reforms-migration-and-other-items/. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_26_41. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:313:0081:0082:EN:PDF. 4 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1921. 5 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/ov/SPEECH_25_2053.”
  EU Development & Humanitarian Aid · Relations with Israel - Palestine · Support for international humanitarian organisations
• 2026-02-03 “P-000150/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission In 2025, the Commission allocated a total of EUR 220 million in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. This brings the total of humanitarian aid to over EUR 550 million since 2023, including funding provided to some of the 37 international non-governmental organisations (NGO) concerned. The Commission works with trusted and certified international NGO partners and intends to continue this support for as long as they can operate, even under difficult circumstances. It does not plan to suspend its humanitarian funding to principled international NGOs which are still legally registered with the Palestinian Authority. The EU has been unequivocal that the international NGO registration framework cannot be implemented in its current form, as reiterated in the joint statement 1 by the HighRepresentative/Vice-President (HR/VP), the Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, and the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, on 6 January 2026. The current process, and the ongoing de-registration of 37 international NGOs, is a major obstacle to the delivery of the humanitarian response in Gaza. The EU has continued raising these issues with Israeli authorities, including through the diplomatic engagement between the HR/VP and Israeli Foreign Minister. The Commission advocates for a registration framework based on clear and fair criteria, minimal administrative requirements and streamlined renewal procedures. Such a framework must fully respect international humanitarian law (IHL) and humanitarian principles, allowing humanitarian actors to operate independently, neutrally and impartially in line with IHL. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_26_41.”
  Conditions to access EU humanitarian aid · EU foreign policy approach
• 2026-01-28 “E-004441/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The EU has competences to coordinate, rather than harmonise, national social security schemes. Under EU social security law 1 Member States remain responsible for organising their schemes, with invalidity benefits, disability assessment, cross-border recognition, benefit allocation. The EU coordination protects EU citizens with disabilities and their carers social security rights when moving across borders. Periods of insurance or residence completed in other Member State may be used to establish entitlement. Benefits, such as invalidity pensions, remain fully payable even if the beneficiary lives outside the paying Member State. The exemptions are disability-related benefits that are special non-contributory cash benefits 2 or social assistance, which are not required to be exported under EU law. Depending on the social security coverage provided for by a Member State, persons with disabilities needing social integration may receive long-term care benefits to help cover extra age or disability-related costs. The Commission proposed to revise EU social protection coordination rules 3 with more specific rules to better coordinate these benefits in cross-border situations. Directive 2024/2841 4 introduces a mutually recognised European Disability Card as proof of a disability when accessing special conditions or preferential treatment offered by a wide variety of services, activities or facilities, in the context of a short stay or EU mobility programme. By 5 June 2029, the Commission shall assess remaining gaps relating to the free movement of persons with disabilities, within the EU competence, and shall take account of the outcome of that assessment when deciding if further action at EU level is required 5 . 1 Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of social security systems (Text with relevance for the EEA and for Switzerland) and Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems (Text with relevance for the EEA and for Switzerland). 2 Article 70 and Annex X of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004. 3 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems and regulation (EC) No 987/2009 laying down the procedure for implementing Regulation (EC) No 883/2004: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52016PC0815. 4 Directive (EU) 2024/2841 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities: https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/2841/oj/eng. 5 Directive (EU) 2024/2841, article 20.”
  EU policy on disability inclusion & accessibility · EU competences on social policies
• 2026-01-27 “E-004678/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The respect of the rights of persons belonging to minorities is one of the founding values of the EU explicitly mentioned in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. Moreover, any discrimination on the basis of membership of a national minority is explicitly prohibited under Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The Racial Equality Directive 1 offers protection against discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin with regard to certain specific areas. It neither affects the rights of national minorities as such nor requires the recognition of such a status. The EU does not have the competence to mandate changes in the political, administrative and institutional framework existing in the Member States regarding the status of national minorities. In fact, it is for Member States to legislate as regards national minorities, in particular over issues relating to the recognition of the status of such minorities, their selfdetermination and autonomy or the regime governing the use of regional or minority languages. In its reply 2 to the European Citizens' Initiative ‘Minority SafePack’, the Commission noted that the full implementation of legislation and policies in place provides a powerful set of measures to protect persons belonging to national and linguistic minorities and to strengthen cultural and linguistic diversity in the Union. 1 Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin, OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22–26. 2 Communication from the Commission on the European Citizens' Initiative 'Minority SafePack – one million signatures for diversity in Europe', C/2021/0171 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/ALL/?uri=PI_COM:C(2021)171”
  EU competences on human rights · EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination
• 2026-01-20 “E-004537/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence 1 requires Member States to: (i) encourage self-regulatory cooperation between relevant intermediary service providers, raise awareness of measures that address online illegal content, improve employee training and assist victims 2 ; (ii) take actions to facilitate cooperation between service providers to improve the implementation of the Directive 3 , including to ensure removal of illegal content 4 ; (iii) provide specialist support for victims of cybercrimes 5 and adopt preventive measures 6 . The Roadmap for Women's Rights 7 aims at making the digital environment a safe place for women and girls, in all their diversity. The Digital Services Act 8 requires providers of online platforms to put in place notice and action mechanisms to allow recipients of the service to report illegal content, including the non-consensual sharing of intimate or manipulated material. Providers of intermediary services are not liable for the information stored at the request of recipients on their services on the condition that they do not have actual knowledge of the illegal content, but they are required to remove illegal content promptly upon obtaining such awareness or risk liability. Providers of very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs), including pornographic platforms, also face enhanced due diligence obligations, including identifying, assessing and analysing systemic risks stemming from their services and putting in place measures to mitigate the identified systemic risks. The Democracy, Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values’ (CERV+) strand of the Commission’s proposal for a new AgoraEU programme includes the objective of fighting against genderbased violence (including cyber violence). 1 Directive (EU) 2024/1385, OJ L, 2024/1385, 24.5.2024. 2 Articles 42. 3 Article 43. 4 Article 23. 5 Article 25. 6 Article 34(8). 7 A Roadmap for women’s rights https://commission.europa.eu/document/0c3fe55d-9e4f-4377-9d1493d03398b434_en. 8 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, Article 16.”
  Regulation of pornography in the EU · Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2026-01-19 “E-003647/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission Barring orders are covered by Article 19 of the Violence Against Women Directive 1 . Recital 46 of the Directive allows Member States to make this possible, where relevant, available, appropriate and given the circumstances of the case, through electronic monitoring. Where electronic monitoring is used, victims should always be informed about its capabilities and limitations. Member States have until June 2027 to transpose the Directive, following which the Commission will conduct transposition checks. The Victims’ Rights Directive 2 provides for a set of rights for all victims of crime, including victims of gender-based violence. The proposed revision of the Victims’ Rights Directive 3 on which the co-legislators have recently reached a provisional agreement will further strengthen those rights, including ensuring victims’ physical protection. The Commission is monitoring the state of implementation of the Victims’ Rights Directive in all Member States, including in Spain 4 . According to the Commission, the Spanish law fully transposes the victims’ rights legislation into national law. In addition, the European Protection Order Directive 5 allows for protection measures for persons in danger taken in one Member State to be recognised by another Member State in order to continue the protection of such persons when they travel or move to another EU Member State. The specificities of national protection orders and the tools to enforce these, remain the responsibility of Member States. 1 Directive (EU) 2024/1385 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on combating violence against women and domestic violence, OJ L, 2024/1385, 24.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/oj. 2 Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA, OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 57. 3 Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA, COM/2023/424 final. Co-legislators reached a provisional political agreement on the proposal on 10 December 2025. 4 In particular, the Commission has analysed whether Member States have completely transposed into national legislation all normative provisions of the Victims’ Rights Directive. 5 Directive 2011/99/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the European protection order, OJ L 338, 21.12.2011, p. 2.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion · EU policy on victims' compensation rights
• 2026-01-07 “E-004365/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The European Citizens’ Initiative ‘My voice my choice’ calls on the Commission to submit a proposal for financial support to Member States that would be able to perform safe termination of pregnancies, in accordance with their domestic law, for anyone in Europe who still lacks access to safe and legal abortion. The proposed financial support, according to the organisers of the initiative, ‘could take the form of an opt-in mechanism open to Member States on a voluntary basis’. On this basis, the Commission’s registration decision observed that ‘there seems to be no straightforward targeted interference with the competences of Member States to define their own health policy and the organisation of their health services’ 1 . In accordance with Article 15(2) of Regulation 2019/788 2 the Commission will, by 2 nd March 2026, set out in a Communication its legal and political conclusions on the initiative, the action it intends to take, if any, and its reasons for taking or not taking action. Any EU action would need to respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the definition of their health policy and for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care, which includes the management of health services and medical care, and the allocation of the resources assigned to them (Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union). 1 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1158 of 10 April 2024 on the request for registration, pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/788 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of the European citizens’ initiative entitled ‘My Voice, My Choice: For Safe And Accessible Abortion’, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32024D1158. 2 Regulation (EU) 2019/788 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the European citizens’ initiative, OJ L 130, 17.5.2019, pp. 55–81.”
  Sexuality and reproduction · EU competences on human rights
• 2026-01-06 “E-003574/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission reaffirms gender equality as a priority, as highlighted in the Roadmap for Women’s Rights 1 and the commitment to adopting a new Gender Equality Strategy 20262030. This includes ensuring equal opportunities and access to vocational training as well as upskilling and reskilling, in line with the Roadmap for Women’s Rights. The upcoming Gender Equality Strategy will build on the principles and objectives outlined in the Declaration for a gender-equal society annexed to the Roadmap 2 . Member States have a primary responsibility to monitor the application of the relevant legal provisions and to take the necessary steps for enforcement. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission monitors the situation and may decide to take appropriate action. Article 27 of the Italian National Code of Equal Opportunities between Women and Men (Decree No. 198/2006) establishes the prohibition of discrimination on access to and content of vocational training, thus transposing Article 14 of Directive 2006/54/EC. Under Article 17 of the Treaty of the European Union, the Commission will continue monitoring the correct transposition and implementation of Directive 2006/54/EC by Italy. The Commission aims to swiftly follow up on systemic issues involving the application of EU law in EU countries. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/0c3fe55d-9e4f-4377-9d14-93d03398b434_en. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/6342a1c7-acb4-4ed5-827a-14e67926afad_en.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2026-01-06 “E-004041/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission combats all forms of violence and discrimination targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people. As announced in the Political Guidelines 1 and in the 2025 Commission Work Programme 2 , the Commission adopted a new LGBTIQ+ equality strategy 2026-2030 on 8 October 2025. The online knowledge hub mentioned in this strategy refers to a commitment set out in the Code of conduct on countering illegal hate speech online+ (‘Code of conduct+’) 3 . The Code of conduct+, which has been integrated into the framework of the Digital Services Act 4 , contains a set of commitments voluntarily agreed by the signatory online platform providers. These include: ‘a shared online knowledge hub facilitated by the Commission and with adequate safeguards to protect information, gathering jurisprudence and legal resources useful to assess the legality of alleged illegal hate speech, and/or past reports under the Code’. The knowledge hub as defined above is a collection of resources, unrelated to any content moderation actions or surveillance. The implementation of the Code of conduct+ by the signatory online platform providers is fully in line with the fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and in particular the right to freedom of expression, as especially noted in the Preamble of the Code of conduct+. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/7617998c-86e6-4a74-b33c249e8a7938cd_en?filename=COM_2025_45_1_annexes_EN.pdf. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/dae/redirection/document/111777. 4 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_300.”
  LGBTIQ+ · EU competences on human rights
• 2026-01-06 “E-004108/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission Equality and non-discrimination are founding values and fundamental rights enshrined in the EU Treaties, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU 1 and the European Pillar of Social Rights. The new lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) equality strategy is about ensuring that all people, including LGBTIQ+ people, are treated equally and not discriminated against in Europe. It builds on the current Strategy 2 which has been in place since 2020. The Commission firmly believes there is no contradiction between protecting the fundamental rights of children and those of LGBTIQ+ people and remains fully committed to both. The Commission fully respects the competences of Member States, and it is for them to determine the conditions under which legal gender recognition is granted. The protection and promotion of the rights of the child is a core EU objective. Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU 3 provides that the child’s best interests must be a primary consideration in all matters concerning them, where children have the right to express their views freely and those views are taken into account in accordance with their age and maturity. The EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child 4 promotes a rights-based, participatory approach, ensuring that every child enjoys the same rights and can live free of discrimination, recrimination or intimidation of any kind. The Commission Recommendation on integrated child protection systems 5 calls on Member States to take measures so that children are treated without discrimination and in a manner which protects their dignity, considering their personality, interests, and special needs, and involving all actors, including children and families. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/char_2012/oj/eng. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/5100c375-87e8-40e3-85b51adc5f556d6d_en?filename=lgbtiq_strategy_2020-2025_en.pdf. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/char_2012/oj/eng. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021DC0142. 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1238/oj/eng.”
  LGBTIQ+ · Support for families
• 2026-01-06 “E-004040/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission Equality and non-discrimination are founding values and fundamental rights enshrined in the EU Treaties, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union 1 and the European Pillar of Social Rights. The Commission firmly believes there is no contradiction between protecting the fundamental rights of children and those of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people and remains fully committed to equality and non-discrimination. The new LGBTIQ+ equality strategy 2 is about ensuring that all people, including LGBTIQ+ people, are treated equally and not discriminated against in the EU. It builds on the current Strategy 3 which has been in place since 2020. The Commission fully respects the competences of Member States, and it is for Member States to determine the conditions under which legal gender recognition is granted. The protection and promotion of the rights of the child is a core EU objective. Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in line with Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), which sets out the EU’s objective to protect the rights of the child, affirms that the children’s best interests must be a primary consideration in all actions relating to them, and affirms their right to express their views freely, with those views to be taken into account on matters which concern them in accordance with their age and maturity. While substantive family law issues remain under the competence of Member States, national authorities, under the supervision of the courts, must ensure that their obligations regarding fundamental rights and children’s rights arising from national legislation, EU Treaties and international agreements, are fully respected. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/char_2012/oj/eng. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/b4952371-4308-47ad-b99502c539b75dda_en?filename=JUST_template_comingsoon_standard.pdf. 3 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/5100c375-87e8-40e3-85b51adc5f556d6d_en?filename=lgbtiq_strategy_2020-2025_en.pdf.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion · LGBTIQ+
• 2026-01-06 “E-004172/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission Equality and non-discrimination are founding values and fundamental rights enshrined in the EU Treaties, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU) 1 and the European Pillar of Social Rights. The new lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) equality strategy is about ensuring that all people, including LGBTIQ+ people, are treated equally and not discriminated against in Europe. It builds on the current Strategy 2 which has been in place since 2020. The Commission firmly believes there is no contradiction between protecting the fundamental rights of children and those of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people and remains fully committed to both. The Commission fully respects the competences of Member States, and it is for them to determine the conditions under which legal gender recognition is granted. The protection and promotion of the rights of the child is a core EU objective. Article 24 of the CFREU provides that children may express their views freely. Such views shall be taken into consideration on matters which concern them in accordance with their age and maturity. The EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child 3 promotes a rights-based, participatory approach, ensuring that every child enjoys the same rights and be able to live free of discrimination, recrimination or intimidation of any kind. Furthermore, the Commission Recommendation on integrated child protection systems 4 calls on Member States to take appropriate measures to ensure that children are always treated without any discrimination and in a manner which protects their dignity, taking into account their personality, interests and special needs, and involving all actors, including children and families as primary carers. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/char_2012/oj/eng. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/5100c375-87e8-40e3-85b51adc5f556d6d_en?filename=lgbtiq_strategy_2020-2025_en.pdf. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021DC0142. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1238/oj/eng.”
  LGBTIQ+ · Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2026-01-06 “E-003884/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the challenges posed by technical incompatibilities, like incompatible firefighting equipment and of the need for improved cross-border integration and standardisation in disaster response equipment. While the EU has a supporting competence in civil protection, the primary responsibility lies with Member States, including for firefighting equipment. The Commission, alongside Member States, implements the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) Training and Exercises Programme 1 to enhance response capabilities and improve coordination, interoperability, compatibility and complementarity. In addition, the European Civil Protection Pool (ECPP) 2 , a reserve of emergency response teams and equipment, has a strong focus on interoperability, as one of the main focuses of the certification process 3 . An important element of interoperability is the Storz Standard for hose connection adaptors, which forms part of the quality requirements for modules and teams involved in firefighting as well as other modules in other areas as defined in EU legislation 4 . As part of the preparedness efforts, firefighter teams are prepositioned in countries most affected by forest fires during the summer. This initiative enhances expertise exchange and interoperability, serving as the initial layer of international response when necessary. The EU Preparedness Union Strategy 5 supports Member States by complementing national efforts, enhancing coordination while respecting national competences. One of the key actions is to incorporate preparedness by design into EU policies and programmes and the European Parliament’s support is crucial for these initiatives. 1 https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/media/ucpm-training-programme-brochure-2024. 2 https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/european-civil-protection-pool_en. 3 https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/welcome-european-civil-protection-pool-ecpp-or-pool. 4 These requirements, detailed in the Annex II of Commission Implementing Decision 2025/704: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2025/704/oj, must be met for inclusion in the ECPP. 5 https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/circabc-ewpp/d/d/workspace/SpacesStore/b81316ab-a513-49a1-b520b6a6e0de6986/file.bin.”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• 2026-01-06 “E-004314/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission On 21 November 2025, the Commission opened an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Slovakia for breaching fundamental principles of EU law, particularly the principles of primacy, autonomy, effectiveness and uniform application of EU law. The Commission considers that the amendments to Article 7 of the Slovak Constitution, which entered into force on 1 November 2025, raise concerns as regards the compliance of Slovakia with these principles. Slovakia is now asked to submit its observations on the letter of formal notice within two months.”
  EU competences on human rights · LGBTIQ+
• 2026-01-05 “E-003858/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission Regarding the Cyprus firefighting hub, which aims to ensure effective wildfire response and to strengthen support and capacity for the wider region in the Mediterranean, the Commission is currently exploring various options, tools, and funding. The Commission is also discussing the hub’s structure and operations with the authorities in Cyprus. The Commission is committed to a constructive dialogue with all relevant parties and will continue to update the European Parliament on developments on this important preparedness initiative.”
  Climate efforts
• 2026-01-05 “E-004337/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission acknowledges the importance of legal recognition of the crime of ‘femicide’. The definition of the crime of femicide at EU level would have required a legal basis in the Treaty, which is currently absent. Nevertheless, the Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence 1 puts in place a system of early detection, intervention and prosecution that is expected to prevent many potential cases of femicide. Among the measures of prevention, for example, the Directive requires to promote changes in behavioural patterns rooted in the historically unequal power relations between women and men or based on stereotyped roles, through awareness-raising campaigns or programmes. Where acts of violence have been reported, the obligation on the police and social services to carry out a thorough risk assessment of the victim can help save her life. Article 44 requires indicating the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator, which may indicate cases of femicide. 2. The Directive is currently in the transposition phase and the Commission is conducting workshops to ensure correct transposition by Member States. Once the transposition deadline expires in June 2027, the Commission will conduct transposition checks to ensure the correct application of the Directive. The Commission can also collect statistics on femicide in collaboration with Eurostat. Even if the Member States do not have such statistics prepared, Eurostat can request proxy statistics based on factors, such as the gender of the victim. 1 Directive (EU) 2024/1385 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on combating violence against women and domestic violence, OJ L, 2024/1385, 24.5.2024, p. 1-36.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2025-12-22 “E-003908/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is committed to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in line with the human rights approach of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is being implemented in matters falling under the EU's competence. It is envisaging new actions to enhance the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 1 , as announced in its 2026 Work Programme. The Strategy provides a framework for further progress towards improving the lives of persons with disabilities. One of the flagship initiatives under the Strategy is the European Disability Card, established by the Directive (EU) 2024/2481 2 , which is being transposed by Member States into national legislation and will be applicable as of 2028. The card aims to facilitate the free movement of persons with disabilities across the EU. It will provide them with legal certainty that their disability status will be recognised when travelling to or visiting other Member States for short stays and accessing special conditions or preferential treatment offered to residents with disabilities in respect of a wide variety of services, activities, or facilities, including parking rights. The Directive does not apply to the area of social security. The organisation of social protection systems and of disability assessment remains a national competence. As a flagship action of the Strategy, the Commission has also issued guidance on independent living and inclusion in the community of persons with disabilities in the context of EU funding 3 . It provides practical recommendations to Member States on the use of EU funding to accelerate the transition to community-based services and independent living for persons with disabilities. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=23707&langId=en. 2 Directive (EU) 2024/2841 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities, https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/2841/oj/eng. 3 Commission Notice Guidance on independent living and inclusion in the community of persons with disabilities in the context of EU funding. Available from: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/7188/oj/eng.”
  EU policy on disability inclusion & accessibility · EU expenditure on social policy
• 2025-12-18 “E-004018/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission reaffirms that the Pay Transparency Directive 1 is instrumental for the full realisation of the right to equal pay for the same work or work of equal value between women and men and remains fully committed to its effective and timely implementation. It expects all Member States to implement the Directive by the deadline of June 2026. The Commission recalls that Member States must transpose the Directive within the legal deadline. Should a Member State fail to notify its transposition measures on time, the Commission may launch infringement proceedings, starting with a letter of formal notice in accordance with Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Commission is actively supporting the correct and uniform transposition of the Directive into national law. Efforts to reduce any administrative burden focus on methodological guidance and other practical support measures. Between 2024 and 2025, the Commission organised four implementation workshops to assist national administrations and social partners in ensuring comprehensive and timely transposition and to promote the exchange of best practices. In addition, the European Institute for Gender Equality is preparing a step-bystep toolkit on gender-neutral job evaluation and classification for use by employers and social partners. It is intended that the toolkit will contain various methodologies specifically tailored to the size of employers. Furthermore, dedicated funding is made available to Member States and social partners to support the implementation of the directive, training and capacity building. 1 OJ L 132, 17.5.2023, pp. 21–44.”
  EU competences on social policies · Gender pay transparency
• 2025-12-18 “P-004240/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission reaffirms that the Pay Transparency Directive is instrumental for the full realisation of the right to equal pay for the same work or work of equal value between women and men and remains fully committed to its effective and timely implementation. It expects all Member States to transpose the Directive by the deadline of June 2026. The Commission is actively supporting its correct and uniform transposition. Efforts to reduce administrative burdens focus on methodological guidance and other practical support measures. The Commission has organised four workshops to assist national administrations and social partners in ensuring comprehensive and timely transposition and to exchange best practices. In addition, the European Institute for Gender Equality is preparing a step-by-step toolkit on gender-neutral job evaluation for use by employers and social partners. It is intended that the toolkit will contain various methodologies tailored to the size of employers. Furthermore, dedicated funding is made available to Member States and social partners to support the implementation of the directive, training and capacity building. In relation to the assessment of expected costs and benefits, the Commission kindly invites the Honourable Member to consult the Commission’s Impact Assessment 1 accompanying the proposal for the Directive 2 . It is important to highlight that the Commission carefully assessed and integrated the views of social partners in the preparations of its proposal for the Directive; those views were also taken into consideration during the legislative process. This concerns particularly the thresholds and timeline for pay reporting and exemptions for small employers, such as concerning pay progression criteria. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=SWD%3A2021%3A0041%3AFIN 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A52021PC0093”
  Gender pay transparency
• 2025-12-17 “E-003938/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission is strongly committed to upholding and promoting women’s and girls’ fundamental rights throughout the EU. The actions announced in the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and implemented over the past years are a testament to this commitment. Misinformation relating to women’s health can be dangerous to women and infringes on their autonomy to make informed decisions with regard to their health. 2. The Declaration of Principles for a gender-equal society annexed to the Roadmap for Women’s Rights, under principle 2, proclaims that every woman must have a right to the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health and that upholding and advancing this principle includes promoting women’s and girls’ physical and mental health, including through improving access to evidence-based information on women’s health and sexuality. The forthcoming Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 will build on the principles outlined in this Declaration and translate the Commission’s commitment into action.”
  Sexuality and reproduction · Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2025-12-17 “E-003599/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has taken action to analyse and tackle gender stereotypes. In 2023, the Commission ran the #EndGenderStereotypes campaign 1 . The Commission released two Eurobarometers on gender stereotypes (2024) and organised mutual learning seminars with Member States on topics that cover gender stereotypes, to promote the exchange of good practices. The Commission funds projects addressing gender stereotypes through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) and Erasmus+ programmes. The Gender Equality Index of the European Institute for Gender Equality will in 2025 analyse gender stereotypes in each domain of the Index. The Roadmap for Women’s Rights 2 , presented by the Commission in March 2025, stresses the role that gender stereotypes play in society and recognises that advancing women’s rights requires strong institutional mechanisms and gender mainstreaming, including the design and use of digital tools mindful of gender equality, bias and gender stereotypes. Building on the Roadmap, the Commission plans to adopt a new Gender Equality Strategy in 2026. In particular, addressing gender stereotypes through the European Education Area strategic framework and the Union of Skills is crucial for tackling gender segregation in studies and career choices, and gender gaps in education and training limiting girls and boys opportunities and the EU’s growth and innovation potential. The Commission will enhance this work through initiatives such as the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Strategic Plan, the Basic Skills Action Plan, the forthcoming EU Teachers and Trainers Agenda, the Education and Training Monitor, EU funding and guidance supporting national reforms in education and skills. 1 https://end-gender-stereotypes.campaign.europa.eu/index_en. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/genderequality/roadmap-womens-rights_en; https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-andfundamental-rights/gender-equality/declaration-principles-gender-equal-society_en.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion