Brussels; 21/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - MEPs are formulating recommendations in the field of women's rights and gender equality in seven Balkan accession candidate countries. On Tuesday 21 May, they adopted a resolution by Marije Cornelissen (Greens/EFA, Netherlands) by a show of hands during their plenary session.
Overall, MEPs regretted that in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, the legislation demanded in the accession process for gender equality is effectively in place but unfortunately, only occasionally applied. Moreover, the people in these countries are not aware of this legislation, which explains the importance of launching information campaigns. Cornelissen's report also deplores the fact that, in these countries, women remain under-represented on the labour market and that woman entrepreneurs suffer discrimination when they seek funding for their companies. MEPs highlight the key role played by women in the reconciliation process in the Balkans region. They also point out that 30% of victims in cross-border human trafficking in the EU come from Balkan countries and call on national authorities in this region to provide more appropriate funding to fight against this phenomenon. Overall, MEPs also regretted the lack of statistical data in these countries regarding gender equality, violence against women and access to contraception. The resolution also formulates specific recommendations for each of the seven countries concerned. (MD/transl.fl)