The European Parliament’s Gender Equality Committee has backed a consent-based definition of rape, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has said.
The Gender Equality Committee, along with the Justice Committee, has called on the European Commission to propose legislation which will establish an EU-wide definition of rape that is based on the requirement of freely given, informed and revocable consent. 75 MEPs voted in favour, with 27 voting against and three abstentions.
An EU-wide definition of rape does not currently exist, due to a lack of agreement amongst EU countries.
MEP Maria Walsh is a full member of the European Parliament’s Gender Equality Committee and also submitted a proposal calling for an EU-wide ban on the disclosure of counselling notes in sexual assault trials
MEP Maria Walsh said:
“It is a stain on Europe that we have failed to agree on a universal definition of rape to date. Today we are one step closer to achieving an EU-wide definition but this failure has left women throughout the EU with varying levels of protections. It undermines access to justice and can weaken the prosecution of sexual violence.
“The fact that in 2026 we are still debating whether the definition of rape should be based on consent is disgusting to me. I was relieved to see the Gender Equality Committee and the Justice Committee vote in favour of an EU-wide definition. But this is not a moment for celebration, it is the bare minimum.
“Reforming rape laws to centre on consent is essential. It sends a message about the kind of society we strive for – one that is free from rape and where everyone’s sexual autonomy and bodily integrity are respected, protected and valued. In any sexual interaction, consent must always be freely given, informed and revocable.
“I submitted several proposals within this report, including the need to recognise gender-based violence as an EU crime and addressing the root causes of underreporting in sexual violence cases. Crucially, I also called for an EU-wide ban on the use and disclosure of counselling notes in sexual assault trials in order to prevent retraumatisation. Ireland is currently pursuing similar legislation, which I hope will set a strong precedent for other EU countries to follow.”