Equality

In her introductory statement, Belgian Commissioner-designate Hadja Lahbib underscored that with crucial equality legislation already adopted in recent years, it is time to make sure the new rules are successfully applied across the EU, including the full implementation of the Istanbul Convention.

She announced that, on International Women’s Day on 8 March 2025, she will present a Roadmap for Women’s Rights that will serve as a guiding compass for future Gender Equality Strategy from next year. She also promised targeted measures for a renewed post-2025 LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy, including positive incentives, a ban of conversion therapies and a new anti-racism strategy.

In response to questions from MEPs, she denied the alleged downgrading of the equality portfolio and underlined that she will have the same resources as current Equality Commissioner Helena Dalli. She committed to advancing specific issues such as the EU’s adoption of a definition of rape based on…