European Union News - Social Affairs

The EP Women's Rights Committee at the European Parliament agreed in a resolution that in order to boost the number of women in decision-making positions to 30% by 2015 and to 40% by 2020, EU legislation is needed. In a separate resolution MEPs think that a better use could be made of the funding opportunities available for female entrepreneurs.

The package of measures proposed by the European Commission is aimed at a better management of migration flows from the Southern Mediterranean region, as well as amendments to the Visa Regulation to ensure that visa free travel does not lead to abuse. This package seeks a credible, fair and effective EU migration policy.

On 19 May the ministers adopted conclusions on an EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020, inviting the member states to pursue goals in the fields of education, employment, healthcare and housing, so as to close the gaps between marginalised Roma communities and the general population. Now, the EU Hungarian presidency intends to report the outcome of the various discussions to the General Affairs Council on 23 May and to European Council on 24 June.

The Fifth Plenary Session of the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly has been closed in Montevideo with progress in dialogue on relations EU-Mercosur agreement and migration. Furthermore, EUROLAT adopted three resolutions that establish a roadmap for enhanced cooperation on security policy and defense, discussed trade relations with other Latin American regions and propose concrete measures to promote employment of youth and women.

Since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the EU has an explicit competence to legislate on the rights of victims of crime. Thus, the European Commission is proposing a package of measures to ensure a minimum level of rights, support and protection for victims across the EU, no matter where they come from or live.

The 17 May has been marked as the International Day Against Homophobia because the same day in 1990, the World Health Organisation finally removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. With regard this day, all European authorities made a statement.

The European Commission presented new initiatives to fight against drugs at the G8 ministerial meeting in Paris. Commissioner Cecilia Malmström, responsible for Home Affairs highlighted how important is fighting drugs because around 140 tonnes of cocaine are consumed each year in the EU.