Member States back proxy voting for pregnant MEPs
The Member States of the European Union agreed on Tuesday to allow Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who are pregnant or have recently given birth to vote by proxy during plenary sessions.
Under current rules, MEPs must be physically present to cast their vote in plenary sittings in Strasbourg or Brussels. Last year, the European Parliament proposed introducing a clearly defined exception for elected representatives who are expecting a child or have recently given birth.
EU ministers responsible for European affairs approved the proposal at a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday. In practical terms, this will allow MEPs to designate a colleague to vote on their behalf, from up to three months before the expected delivery date until six months after the birth.
"By enabling proxy voting for MEPs who are pregnant or have recently given birth, we are actively encouraging women's participation in European politics and making it easier for them to combine their parliamentary duties with motherhood," said Marilena Raouna, deputy minister for European Affairs, speaking on behalf of the Cypriot EU Presidency in a press release.
Further approval required
The European Parliament must now formally approve the measure. It will then need to be ratified by the Member States as an amendment to European electoral law, in line with their respective constitutional procedures before it can enter into force.
Members of the European Parliament © PHOTO FREDERICK FLORIN / AFP
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