Reply

15.9.2020

It is recalled that the President of the European Council is willing to answer parliamentary questions insofar as they concern his own political activities, as an important exercise of transparency.

Against this background, the President of the European Council is strongly committed to fighting all forms of discrimination, including gender discrimination. The fact that his cabinet is composed of 12 men and 17 women testifies strongly to his personal commitment to gender equality within his own team. In addition, he has set up a ‘horizontal team’ within the cabinet, which deals with several cross-cutting issues, including equality.

It is recalled that equality between women and men is one of the common and fundamental principles of the European Union.

D uring their recent negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, the Heads of State or Government reiterated their commitment to gender equality. The conclusions of the July 2020 European Council state in particular that equality between women and men, as well as rights and equal opportunities for all, and the mainstreaming of these objectives should be taken into account and promoted throughout the preparation, implementation and monitoring of relevant programmes.