Spain and Germany reinforce their cooperation in the fight against violence against women and the defence of LGTBI rights

To this end, the two ministers signed the "Memorandum of Understanding on violence against women and cooperation in the defence of the rights of LGTBI persons between the Ministry of Equality of the Kingdom of Spain and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth of the Federal Republic of Germany." This memorandum will provide a basic framework for strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the field of violence against women and, in particular, prevention and comprehensive care for victims of violence against women, as well as in the field of LGBTI rights.

Among other commitments between both parties, the Memorandum establishes the willingness to contribute to the development and implementation of legislation aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women, with special emphasis on prevention and comprehensive care for women victims and their children, and that promotes the fight for equal treatment and against discrimination of LGBTI people, focusing, in particular, on the right to gender registration change based on depathologisation and gender self-determination.

Montero stressed that, with this Memorandum, "we are joining forces for a more feminist Europe that respects the rights of LGTBI people, and at the same time we are committed to a pact for equality in Europe." For her part, the German minister, Lisa Paus, praised the signing of the Memorandum between the two countries and expressed her admiration for the feminist movement in Spain and "for the progress and leadership of the Spanish government in terms of equality."

The meeting also addressed other fundamental rights such as sexual and reproductive rights or care and reconciliation policies. In this regard, the Minister for Equality has conveyed to the German Minister her willingness to ensure that, during Spain's presidency of the European Union, women's rights are placed at the centre of the European project.

Pathways for cooperation

The pathways for cooperation foreseen in the Memorandum will include the exchange of experiences and information on regulations and good practices in public policies for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and on equal treatment in matters of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and sexual characteristics; mutual advice and technical assistance; and any other actions to be agreed between the signatories.

To monitor compliance, a meeting will be held annually between the authorities in each country responsible for combating violence against women and for combating discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and sexual characteristics.

Non official translation