15/02/2024 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday, 15 February, MEPs on the Committee on Women’s Rights (FEMM) and the Committee on Civil Liberties (LIBE) approved by a large majority (70 votes in favour, 2 against, and 6 abstentions) the provisional political agreement on the directive on combating domestic violence and violence against women. The 6 February vote on this agreement (see EUROPE 13344/24) was perceived by co-rapporteurs Frances Fitzgerald (EPP, Irish) and Evin Incir (S&D, Swedish) as a “historic” step in the fight against these scourges. Nevertheless, they expressed their disappointment that the characterisation of rape in the absence of consent was excluded from the directive. Reiterating how difficult negotiations were, Ms Incir stated that she had been a little naive in her initial expectations. Despite this shortcoming, both MEPs remain determined to “continue the fight”. (NP)