Gender equality in EU's foreign and security policy

On Thursday 22/10 at 9.15, the European Parliament will debate on Greens-EFA meps, Ernest Urtasun’s and Hannah Neumann's report on gender equality in the EU’s foreign and security policy. (Final vote on 23/10).

Rapporteur : Ernest Urtasun, Vice-Chair of the Greens/EFA group and member of the committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

Rapporteur for the opinion: Hannah Neumann, Vice-Chair of the Human Rights Committee and member of the committee on Foreign Affairs.

Link to the report: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2020-0145_EN.html

The report is calling for :

• A women’s quota of 50% for management positions in the European External Action Service (EEAS)
• Mandatory gender equality trainings for all middle and senior managers of the EEAS and Heads/Commanders of CSPD missions and operations
• 85% of the official development assistance to be dedicated for programmes supporting gender equality
• Clear, measurable, time-bound objectives for the upcoming Gender Action Plan (GAP III), which provides the framework for the Commission, the EEAS and member states in their approach to gender equality through external action
• Establishing gender focal points in all EU Delegations
• Setting up the position of gender advisor in each EEAS Directorate, a person who works on gender equality and the topic of “Women, Peace and Security”
• an urgent ratification of the Istanbul Convention
   

Rapporteur Ernest Urtasun said :

"The European Parliament will adopt the first-ever report calling on gender equality in EU’s foreign and security policy. While several countries around the world have already adopted a foreign policy with a strong focus on gender equality, the EU continues to lack one. This is why we call on the EU and its leaders to promote a gender transformative vision of foreign policy that protects and promotes women’s human rights. At the same time, we call on the EU to given women a voice and a seat in foreign and security policy by ensuring their representation and involvement in political leadership and decision making at all levels. The EU should lead by example on gender equality and start by applying these principles within its own institutions. There’s still a long way to go to achieve gender equality in foreign and security policy and we hope the recommendations and call for action addressed to the EU and its Member States will be heard and enforced."

Rapporteur Hannah Neumann said:

“Diversity makes political decisions better. That is especially true in war and crisis situations. This is why women need to sit at the negotiation table! The reality shows, however, that they are severely underrepresented – in the military, in diplomacy, in high-level negotiations – and this is also true for our own EU institutions and missions. If the EU wants to be a leader for gender equality in the world, it must stop paying lip service. This means: 50% women in all decision-making positions, foreign budget resources dedicated specifically to projects empowering girls and women to claim their spots and a foreign policy that focuses on eradicating discriminatory laws and practices. This year, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the United Nation’s Security Council Resolution 1325 on ‘Women, Peace and Security’. We celebrate the 25th anniversary of the historic Beijing World Women’s Conference. There has never been a better moment to make gender equality a priority in the EU’s Foreign and Security Policy. We hope that the upcoming Gender Action Plan of the Commission (GAP3) will follow the ambitious calls that passed the parliament today.”

More info:

• Study on a Feminist Foreign Policy for the EU