The Council today approved the EU’s accession to the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). "Violence against women is unacceptable and must end. These acts have no place in our societies. The Istanbul Convention is a landmark and a catalyst for action. Today’s decision on the EU’s accession shows our commitment to stepping up actions against gender-based violence and in support of its victims."
Paulina Brandberg, Swedish Minister for Gender Equality and Deputy Minister for Employment Binding legal frameworkThe Convention creates a legal framework to protect women against violence. It covers a broad range of measures, from data collection and awareness raising to legal measures on criminalising different forms of violence against women. It includes measures for the protection of victims and the provision of support services, and addresses the gender-based violence dimension in matters of asylum and migration. Equality between men and womenThe EU’s accession to the Convention is a boost for EU efforts to realise equality between women and men. Violence against women is not only a criminal offence but also an extreme form of discrimination, entrenched in gender inequalities. At the same time, violence against women contributes to maintaining and reinforcing these inequalities. | 
