The European Parliament has voted in favor of a consent-based definition of rape and called on the European Commission to propose EU-wide legislation establishing a common legal standard built on the principle of “only yes means yes,”
In a report adopted on Tuesday with 447 votes in favor, 160 against and 43 abstentions, MEPs said that rape should be defined by the absence of freely given, informed and revocable consent, rather than by the presence of physical force or violence alone.
Lawmakers stressed that silence, lack of resistance, the absence of a “no,” prior consent, past sexual conduct, or any current or previous relationship must not be interpreted as consent under any legal framework.
The report also states that consent must be assessed in context, including situations involving threats, coercion, abuse of power, fear, intimidation, unconsciousness, intoxication, illness, disability or vulnerability. It further highlights that trauma responses such as “freeze” or “fawn” reactions must be reflected in legal and judicial practice.
MEPs also called for the inclusion of gender-based violence among EU crimes and urged a victim-centered approach across member states.
The Parliament said that only consent-based legislation can ensure access to justice, and called for strengthened support systems, including emergency medical care, psychological support, legal assistance, and access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, including safe and legal abortion services. It also called for 24-hour crisis centers offering integrated support services.
The report further urges compulsory and regular training for professionals who may work with survivors, including law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, lawyers, healthcare workers and frontline staff.
It also calls on the Commission to present EU guidelines in 2026 on sexuality and relationship education, alongside EU-wide awareness campaigns on consent, bodily autonomy and sexual integrity, and measures to counter rape myths and harmful online content.
Civil Liberties Committee rapporteur Evin Incir said it was “morally and legally unacceptable” that women across the EU are not protected by “only yes means yes” legislation, noting that several countries have already moved towards consent-based laws in recent years.
Women’s Rights Committee rapporteur Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus said the vote reflects growing calls for action to address gender-based violence, adding that existing legal frameworks must be updated to ensure equal protection for women across the EU.
A European Commission spokesperson said it would support national reforms and assess further EU-level action, including potential legislation, to ensure that sex without consent is defined as rape across all member states.
