Gender based violence, FGM, and the role of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union
In January 2026, the End FGM European Network formally addressed the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union with detailed recommendations.
Drawing on EU law, policy commitments, and international human rights standards, End FGM EU called on the Presidency and the Council to:
- Prioritise ending gender based violence, including FGM, with a strong focus on prevention and protection
- Ensure asylum and migration policies uphold fundamental human rights
- Improve data collection on gender based violence, including FGM and early and forced marriage
- Protect and meaningfully engage civil society and affected communities
- Ensure EU funding prioritises equality and the elimination of gender based violence
- Uphold the EU’s external human rights commitments
These recommendations highlight the urgent need for leadership that places gender equality, human dignity, and human rights at the centre of EU action.
Cyprus ranked last among EU Member States for gender equality, according to the 2025 Gender Equality Index published by the European Institute for Gender Equality. This assessment highlights persistent structural inequalities affecting women and girls, including gaps in power, resources, access to services, and protection from violence.
The Cyprus Presidency comes at a critical moment for the European Union. With key negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework and the implementation of major EU legislation underway, choices made during this Presidency will have long lasting consequences.
Ending gender based violence requires political courage, sustained investment, and meaningful partnership with civil society. FGM must be addressed as part of this commitment. Silence or inaction risks reinforcing inequalities and leaving women and girls unprotected.
The question is not whether the EU has the tools to act. The question is whether the Cyprus Presidency will use its mandate to ensure that gender equality, gender based violence, and the rights of women and girls are truly prioritised.
