MEPs call for stronger measures to eradicate harassment in the EU institutions
- Mandatory anti-harassment training for all MEPs
- More awareness-raising so that victims know they can report cases and get support
- Better cooperation between EU institutions to tackle the issue
MEPs reiterate their call for improved measures to combat harassment within the Parliament and all EU institutions and agencies, in a resolution adopted on Thursday.
In a non-legislative report adopted by 516 votes in favour, 86 against and 75 abstentions, MEPs recall that harassment - and notably sexual harassment - experienced in a workplace constitutes a violation of human rights, and that women are far more likely to be exposed to it than men.
Mandatory training for all MEPs
They welcome the efforts made by Parliament following the MeToo campaign but regret that the measures put in place to address sexual harassment within the institution are not strong enough. They reiterate their call for Parliament services to introduce a mandatory anti-harassment training for all MEPs as soon as they can and at the very beginning of a newly-elected member’s mandate. If an MEP refuses to participate, sanctions like limiting their recruitment of staff could be envisaged, they add. Parliament also wants to make anti-harassment training available in all EU languages or with interpretation.
Furthermore, Parliament calls for awareness-raising to be improved and for compulsory training to be introduced on the institution’s zero-harassment policy for all people working on its premises, providing them with the tools to recognise all forms of harassment and to report it.
More transparency
Noting the work carried out by the two advisory committees dealing with harassment complaints (one concerning MEPs, the other for staff), MEPs however suggest some improvements: they want these committees to include the experts who advise on tackling harassment issues in the workplace (doctors, therapists, legal experts) as formal members with voting rights. They also want more transparency and ask both committees to publish their monitoring reports and risk assessments every year on the Parliament’s website.
Cooperation between EU institutions
Finally, MEPs call on all EU institutions and agencies to exchange their best practices in tackling harassment, and to introduce a network of confidential counsellors or external mediators to provide guidance and support to victims. They also urge all EU institutions to adapt their internal policies in order to allow everyone, not just permanent staff, but also trainees and external contractors, to use both formal and informal structures to bring attention to harassment cases and to seek assistance.
Background
According to the EU Agency for fundamental rights, 55% of women have been sexually harassed in the EU. 32% of all victims said the perpetrator was a superior, colleague or customer. 75% of women in professions requiring qualifications or top management jobs have been sexually harassed.