Nicosia, Cyprus. European Affairs Deputy Minister Marilena Raouna on Tuesday welcomed as a “milestone” an agreement reached by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament that will allow pregnant members of the European Parliament to participate in parliamentary votes by proxy.
Agreement details
The measure will allow pregnant MEPs to appoint proxies for European Parliament votes for up to three months before their baby’s estimated date of birth and for up to six months after childbirth. It will take effect once it is ratified by the EU’s 27 member states.
Reactions and background
Raouna said the agreement marks “another significant milestone for a more inclusive European democracy” and that enabling proxy voting for pregnant and new mother MEPs sends a clear message that women should not have to choose between public service and motherhood. She added that institutions must evolve to support equal participation and reflect the realities of modern life.
The European Parliament approved the change in April by 616 votes in favour, 24 against and eight abstentions.
Cyprus response
None of the incumbent Cypriot MEPs will be affected by the change, as all six are male. Five of them — Loucas Fourlas and Michalis Hadjipantela of Disy, Geadis Geadi of Elam, Giorgos Georgiou of Akel and Costas Mavrides of Diko — voted in favour. Fidias Panayiotou did not vote.
Metsola statement
At the time, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said she was “proud” of the parliament for supporting the change. She said it was “a big milestone for a more modern and just parliament” and that no member should lose the right to vote because of becoming a mother. Metsola said she would continue working with member states and their parliaments to ensure smooth ratification of the amendment so members can benefit from the changes quickly.