Over the last few years, the EU has been facing many challenges in the realisation of its core values: the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and equality, especially gender equality. Women’s rights and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) have come under increasing pressure, both within and outside the EU. The upcoming period is an opportunity for the EU to reflect on the direction it wants to take, the values it should stand for, and what more it can do to defend them.
The EU should strive towards a world where everyone can enjoy the same rights and lead free and safe lives, free from discrimination, coercion, and violence. In this crossroads moment, the upcoming three Council of the EU Presidencies – Ireland, Lithuania, and Greece – have a critical role to play to uphold EU values. We call on them to adopt a feminist approach and show strong leadership to further advance gender equality and women’s rights, including SRHR, in the EU and beyond.
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Illustration Credit: Cecilia Castelli for Fine Acts