No Consent = Rape: EU Lawmakers Demand Major Legal Overhaul

Members of the European Parliament are calling on the European Commission to introduce legislation establishing a common EU definition of rape based on freely given, informed and revocable consent.

The proposal, backed by a strong majority in Parliament’s civil liberties and women’s rights committees, reinforces the long held position that the absence of consent must be the central element in rape cases.

MEPs argue that an EU wide, consent based definition would ensure equal protection for women and girls across all member states.

Countries that still rely on force or violence based definitions are being urged to align their laws with international standards, including the Istanbul Convention, which the EU ratified in 2023.

Lawmakers stress that harmonised legislation would improve reporting rates, increase convictions and support victims’ recovery.

The report also calls for a victim centred and intersectional approach, including comprehensive healthcare, psychological support and legal assistance.

MEPs want stronger action against online misogyny and harmful gender stereotypes, alongside specialised training for police and judicial authorities. They now urge swift action to ensure that consent based protections become a legal reality throughout the European Union.

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