Brussels, 9 December 2021
Statement by Evelyn Regner, Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee Chair, following the adoption of a resolution on ‘MeToo and harassment – The Consequences for the EU institutions’.
On Thursday afternoon, Women’s Rights and Gender Equality MEPs adopted the draft resolution by 28 votes in favour, 4 against and 2 abstentions.
After the vote in committee, Evelyn Regner (S&D, AT) said: “Today, our committee paved the way for a greater commitment by the European Parliament to fighting against any form of harassment, and especially sexual harassment. In recent years, as a follow-up to the #MeToo movement, the European Parliament has already taken good steps to prevent and sanction harassment. However, these actions have not yet proven to be strong enough. After consulting with the groups and Parliament’s legal service, at next week’s plenary we will propose a strong and necessary commitment to eradicate all forms of harassment within the institution, alongside a call on the other European institutions to step up their work too. One key aspect of what will be proposed: mandatory anti-harassment training for all members, in addition to staff leaders, so that preventive measures actually reach everyone in Parliament. The European Parliament as a workplace has to be a safe space. Thanks to the efforts of Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee members and the engagement of the majority of political groups, we are now one step closer to achieving this. As a committee, we count on the support of our colleagues in next week’s plenary.”
Next steps
MEPs will quiz the European Commission on the same subject in plenary next Thursday morning, before voting on the resolution the same day.