Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
3w ago

EU Opens Path to Use Social Fund for Abortion Access After Citizens’ Initiative

The Commission’s decision routes support through the ESF+ under national law, putting implementation in the hands of willing governments.

European Commissioner for People, Skills and Preparedness Roxana Minzatu addresses the media on the Commission's response to the European Citizens' Initiative 'My Voice, My Choice' at EU headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
European Commissioner for People, Skills and Preparedness Roxana Minzatu, right, and European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Hadja Lahbib address the media on the Commission's response to the European Citizens' Initiative 'My Voice, My Choice' at EU headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Hadja Lahbib addresses the media on the Commission's response to the European Citizens' Initiative 'My Voice, My Choice' at EU headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
Over 20 million women in the EU do not have access to safe abortion care, women's rights campaigners say

Overview

  • Citing the My Voice, My Choice petition, the European Commission declined to create a new EU-wide scheme and said member states may finance abortion-related support via the European Social Fund Plus.
  • Officials specified that ESF+ money, totaling €142.7 billion, can be used for such measures in line with domestic law, and some countries may need to amend existing ESF+ programs to proceed.
  • Equality Commissioner Hadja Lahbib said the funding is available and that member states can act immediately, with the Commission ready to assist.
  • Campaign organizers welcomed the move as achieving their core aims by confirming EU funds can help cover abortion care and related travel for women who cannot access services at home.
  • Opponents warned of overreach into national competence, while earlier European Parliament backing in December underscored political momentum without changing restrictive national laws.