EU Parliament Establishes Unified Definition of Rape
The European Parliament has approved a new definition of rape, aiming to create consistency in sexual violence laws across member states, a move welcomed by advocates for women's rights.
On April 28, 2026, the European Parliament approved a common definition of rape, marking a significant advancement in the effort to standardize legal interpretations of sexual violence across EU member states.
Historically, definitions of rape varied considerably among EU countries, leading to confusion and inconsistency in legal proceedings. The new definition seeks to address these disparities.
This legislative change is viewed as a victory for women's rights advocates, who have long argued for clearer and more uniform laws to protect victims of sexual violence.