The European Parliament is urging the European Commission to introduce a common consent law across the EU to enhance legal protections for women against sexual violence. With a decisive majority of 75 votes in favor versus 27 against, the Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality, alongside the Civil Liberties Committee, has voiced strong support for this initiative. Swedish member of Parliament Evin Incir emphasized the urgency of the matter by stating that it is unacceptable for parts of the EU not to have consent-based rape laws as we approach the year 2026.

This renewed push for a consent law follows a failed attempt in 2024, where proposed reforms faced significant opposition from member states, including Hungary, Germany, and France. The call for action now requires the attention of the full European Parliament, which will consider pushing further on this topic during its mini-session in Brussels at the end of March. The proposed legislation aims to provide a unified legal framework that would standardize the definitions and enforcement of consent-related laws across the EU, addressing the alarming disparities that currently exist.

The implications of establishing a consent law are critical, not only for the legal standing of women's rights but also for the overall societal perception of consent and sexual violence. A mutual agreement on this matter may indicate a potential shift towards a more unified approach to human rights within the EU, reflecting changing attitudes towards women's safety and legal protections. As discussions intensify, member states will need to confront their internal policies and cultural attitudes toward gender-based violence to align with the proposed legal reforms.