Ana Redondo attends the EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council in Luxembourg

The Minister for Equality, Ana Redondo, at the EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council

The Equality Minister took part in the debate on "gender mainstreaming in security within the new European strategic context," which addressed the increased risk of trafficking and sexual exploitation, as well as gender and sexual violence, in situations of armed conflict.

Ana Redondo argued that "gender mainstreaming in security policies is not only an ethical commitment, but an indispensable condition for a safer, more resilient and democratic European Union." Furthermore, she stressed that equality and women's full participation in decision-making are "essential for peace, security and sustainable development."

In this context, the minister also highlighted the Government of Spain's commitment to applying gender mainstreaming in all public policies, citing the Strategic Plan for Equal Opportunities as an example, which incorporates specific measures to combat sex-based violence, guarantee the protection of women and girls in conflict, and promote their leadership in all areas of security and peace.

Finally, she argued for the need to move towards security that recognises and addresses specific threats faced by women, from sexual violence in conflict to cyber-violence and trafficking.

Equal Treatment Directive

The Council also debated the Equal Treatment Directive, a proposal supported by Spain, which would represent progress in the European Union's anti-discrimination law.

Redondo defended the importance of its approval because it would "fill an important gap in EU anti-discrimination law." The minister argued in Luxembourg that "there is no justification for this regulatory gap", and highlighted the progress that the Government of Spain is making to close these gaps, for example, with the approval of the Comprehensive Law for Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination.

Finally, Ana Redondo called on the European Commission to "maintain a high level of ambition on equality and to incorporate this directive into its work programme."

Non official translation