Europe Finally Gets Around to Defining Consent (Better Late Than Never, Right?)
In a move that might make you wonder what century we’re living in, European Parliament committees voted Wednesday to push for EU-wide legislation that would define rape based on—wait for it—the absence of consent. Revolutionary stuff, folks.
The report, which passed with 75 votes in favor, calls on the European Commission to propose legislation establishing that rape is, shockingly, about whether someone said “yes” rather than whether they fought back hard enough. Currently, some EU member states still use force-based definitions, apparently operating under the medieval assumption that unless you’re fighting off your attacker with a broadsword, it doesn’t count.
“Yes Means Yes” Shouldn’t Be This Controversial
MEPs are pushing for a definition grounded in “freely given, informed and revocable consent”—which, let’s be honest, should be common sense rather than groundbreaking legislation. The report builds on the Istanbul Convention (which the EU finally ratified in 2023, because why rush these things?) and aims to complement existing 2024 directives on combating violence against women.
Swedish MEP Evin Incir put it bluntly: “It is unacceptable that in 2026, in parts of the EU, women are still not protected by consent-based rape laws.” Indeed. One might also add that it’s unacceptable we’re still having this conversation at all.
The Gisèle Pelicot Effect
Polish MEP Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus noted that the Gisèle Pelicot case—which shocked the world—has “opened the eyes of even the most conservative opponents.” Sometimes it takes a high-profile case to make people realize that, yes, consent actually matters. Who knew?
Beyond the Basics
The report doesn’t stop at definitions. MEPs are calling for 24-hour crisis centers, specialized training for law enforcement (so victims don’t get traumatized twice), comprehensive sex education, and campaigns to combat online misogyny and “incel propaganda.” They’re also pushing to extend limitation periods for rape offenses, recognizing that trauma doesn’t operate on a convenient legal timeline.
The proposal also demands access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion—because apparently, we need to keep reminding people that rape victims shouldn’t be forced to carry pregnancies.
What’s Next?
The report heads to a full Parliament vote in late March. If approved, the ball lands in the Commission’s court to actually draft legislation. MEPs are essentially asking: “What are you waiting for?”
The answer, unfortunately, might be “political will”—that elusive substance that seems to evaporate whenever women’s rights are on the agenda. But hey, at least we’re moving in the right direction. Slowly. Very, very slowly.