The report, endorsed on Wednesday by the Committees on Civil Liberties and Women’s Rights with 75 votes for, 27 against and 3 abstentions, builds on Parliament’s long-standing position that the absence of consent must be the central element in court proceedings for rape.

An EU-level definition based on absence of consent

MEPs urge the Commission to table legislation establishing an EU-wide definition of rape grounded in the absence of freely given, informed and revocable consent. Member states that still rely on force- or violence-based definitions are asked to align their laws with international standards, including the Istanbul Convention, ratified by the EU in 2023, and to ensure adequate support and protection for victims and survivors.

The report stresses that only this kind of legislation can ensure effective access to justice, as evidence shows it improves reporting, conviction, and recovery rates. MEPs also argue that such legislation should complement the 2024 EU…