Briefing 
 

Istanbul Convention: MEPs to debate the state of play of ratification 

During a plenary debate on Thursday, MEPs are expected to press for the Istanbul Convention to be ratified by all member states.

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (Thursday 25 November), MEPs will hold a debate on the lack of progress regarding the ratification of the Istanbul Convention.

Six EU member states are yet to ratify this comprehensive international treaty on fighting violence against women, which was adopted by the Council of Europe in 2011 and signed by the EU in 2017. They are Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. MEPs are likely to urge these countries to ratify the Convention without delay.

Also on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and in the framework of the ‘Orange the World’ initiative, the EP buildings will be lit up in orange.

Procedure: Council and Commission statements, without resolution

Debate: Thursday, 25 November