Cyprus holds the presidency of the Council until the end of June 2026. This text will be updated regularly as the hearings take place.

Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee

On 26 January, Minister of Justice and Public Order Costas Fitiris highlighted gender equality as a core focus of the presidency, with particular emphasis on combating gender-based violence, including online violence. He also referenced strengthening prevention, support to victims and promoting gender mainstreaming across EU policies, plus the upcoming 2026–2030 EU gender equality strategy, as key priorities.

MEPs pushed for a stronger intersectional approach, calling for continued attention to sexual and reproductive health and rights, LGBTQI equality, and gender budgeting. They warned of an ongoing and widespread backlash against women’s rights, highlighted emerging risks linked to digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI), and called for progress on the long-stalled anti-discrimination…