The decision by the European Commission to tackle period poverty in its new Gender Equality Strategy marks a major step forward for the campaign to end menstrual poverty across Europe, according to Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh.
The strategy for 2026–2030, published this week, confirms that the Commission will organise an exchange of best practices between Member States on measures to combat menstrual and menopause poverty, helping countries learn from policies that make period products more accessible and affordable.
Ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday, MEP Walsh said the commitment builds on the work she has been leading in the European Parliament through her “Plan for Periods” strategy, a proposal calling for a coordinated EU approach to ending menstrual poverty.
The Plan for Periods strategy, which MEP Walsh submitted to the European Commission, sets out a roadmap for EU action, including removing VAT on menstrual products across all Member States, providing free period products in public institutions such as schools and universities, improving data collection on menstrual poverty, and creating dedicated EU funding to support national initiatives tackling the issue.
MEP Maria Walsh, a full member of the European Parliament’s Gender Equality Committee, said:
“Period poverty is a very real issue affecting women and girls across Europe and here in Ireland. No one should have to choose between buying essential hygiene products and paying for other basic needs.
“That is why I have been pushing this issue at European level and why I launched a plan calling for stronger EU action to tackle menstrual poverty. I’m very pleased that the European Commission has taken my proposal onboard and is now committing to organise an exchange of best practices between Member States so that we can learn from policies that are working and expand them across Europe. This is the first time the European Commission has acknowledged the problem of period poverty, and more importantly, committed to taking action to tackle the issue.
“Some countries are already leading the way by providing free period products in schools, universities and community facilities, or by supporting those on low incomes. Sharing these experiences will help ensure more women and girls across Europe can access the products they need with dignity.
“International Women’s Day is about recognising the progress we have made, but also acknowledging the work still ahead. Tackling menstrual poverty may seem like a small issue to some, but for many women it is a daily struggle. Addressing it is about dignity, equality and ensuring that women’s health is properly recognised in policy.
“I will continue working in the European Parliament to ensure this commitment is turned into real action, and to support practical measures that end period poverty once and for all.”