Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell i Fontelles on behalf of the European Commission
5.12.2023
1. The High Representative/Vice-President expressed his utmost appreciation for Spain’s women’s football team after winning the World Cup. The Commission is actively engaged in advancing gender equality in sports, striving to provide for a safe and positive sporting environment, as well as eliminating gender-based violence and negative gender stereotypes in sports and released in March 2023 an EU-wide communication campaign to combat gender stereotypes in different areas of life[1].
2. Gender equality is a core principle of the EU. The Commission adopted the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (GES)[2], and jointly with the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU Gender Action Plan — an ambitious agenda for gender equality and women’s empowerment in EU external action (GAP III)[3] setting out key actions and commitments to ensure an equality perspective in all EU policy areas.
3. The Commission organises trainings for members of staff on equality and equality mainstreaming, including on gender equality with the aim of promoting inclusive and non-discriminatory behaviour[4]. Similar trainings are mandatory for the managers in the EEAS.
Any breach of the Staff Regulations, including misconduct, may be subject to disciplinary measures. The suspension of a staff member could be decided in cases of allegations of serious misconduct or other infringements of the law.
- [1] https://end-gender-stereotypes.campaign.europa.eu/index_en
- [2] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/gender-equality/gender-equality-strategy_en
- [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_20_2184
- [4] See the Commission’s HR Strategy: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_1783 and the Management Plan of the Commission’s Secretariat General: https://commission.europa.eu/publications/management-plan-2023-secretariat-general_en