European lawmakers back stronger consent protections in rape laws

The European Parliament has voted to support a “yes means yes” definition of consent, aiming to strengthen legal protections for survivors of sexual violence across the European Union.

“A society that truly respects women does not ask whether they resisted enough; it asks whether they freely agreed,” said Anna Strolenberg, Member of the European Parliament from the Netherlands.

The resolution urges all European Union member states to adopt consent-based rape laws that recognise sex without active consent as rape, including cases involving coercion, fear, or incapacitation. Currently, 21 of the bloc’s 27 member states use consent-based legal definitions, while others still require proof of force or threats. Supporters say the proposed reforms could help close legal gaps that make prosecutions difficult and improve protections for survivors, as awareness of sexual violence and coercive abuse continues to grow across Europe.