Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The European Parliament has called for a unified, consent-based definition of rape across the European Union, pressing for legal reforms to address gaps in protections for survivors.
In a vote backed by a majority of lawmakers on Tuesday, Members of the European Parliament urged the European Commission to propose legislation defining rape explicitly as sex without free and informed consent.
The move follows criticism that existing EU-wide laws on violence against women fail to adequately address rape due to disagreements among member states on its legal definition.
Lawmakers referenced the case of Gisèle Pelicot, whose high-profile trial exposed gaps in legal frameworks around consent.
Her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, was convicted in 2024 of drugging her and enabling repeated sexual assaults while she was unconscious.
MEPs said the case highlights “the inadequacy of definitions of rape that are based on force and not centred on consent”.
While the Commission welcomed the resolution, it has not yet confirmed whether it will introduce new legislation.
Advocates say a unified definition could strengthen protections for victims and ensure consistency in prosecution across the 27-member bloc.
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
