Ettepanek - COM(2026) 236

EN EN

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 12.5.2026

COM(2026) 236 final

2026/0116 (NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union in the Committee of the

Parties to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence

against women and domestic violence, at its 20th meeting, on conclusions addressed to

certain Parties on their implementation of that Convention and on the election of

members of the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and

Domestic Violence, with regard to matters related to judicial cooperation in criminal

matters, asylum and non-refoulement

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. SUBJECT MATTER OF THE PROPOSAL

This proposal concerns the decision establishing the position to be taken on the Union’s

behalf, at the 20th meeting of the Committee of the Parties (‘CoP’ or ‘the Committee’) of the

Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and

domestic violence (‘the Istanbul Convention’ or ‘the Convention’), on 2 June 2026. The

position concerns (1) the envisaged adoption by the Committee of nine draft conclusions

addressed to nine Parties on their implementation of the Convention, and (2) the envisaged

election of five members of the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women

and Domestic Violence (‘GREVIO’).

2. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL

2.1. The Istanbul Convention

The Istanbul Convention lays down a comprehensive and harmonised set of rules to prevent

and combat violence against women and domestic violence in Europe and beyond. The

Convention entered into force on 1 August 2014.

The EU signed the Convention in June 2017 and completed the accession procedure with the

deposit of two instruments of approval on 28 June 2023, triggering the entry into force of the

Convention for the EU on 1 October 2023. The EU has acceded to the Convention as regards

matters falling within its exclusive competence, namely with regard to matters related to

institutions and public administration of the Union1 and with regard to matters related to

judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement2. All EU Member

States have signed the Convention and 22 have ratified it3.

2.2. The Committee of the Parties

The CoP4 is composed of the representatives of the Parties to the Convention. Parties must

endeavour to nominate, as their representatives, experts of the highest possible rank in the

field of preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence5. The tasks

entrusted to the CoP are listed in Rule 1 of its Rules of Procedure6. On 1 October 2023 the EU

became a Party to the Convention, and, as such, a member of the CoP (Article 67(1) of the

Convention).

1 Council Decision (EU) 2023/1075 of 1 June 2023 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union,

of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and

domestic violence with regard to institutions and public administration of the Union, OJ L 143 I,

2.6.2023, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2023/1075/oj.

2 Council Decision (EU) 2023/1076 of 1 June 2023 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union,

of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and

domestic violence with regard to matters related to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and

non-refoulement, OJ L 143 I, 2.6.2023, p. 4, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2023/1076/oj)

3 Status of ratifications on 27 April 2026: AT (2013); BE (2016); CY (2017); DE (2017); DK (2014); IE

(2019); EL (2018); ES (2014); EE (2017) FI (2015); FR (2014); HR (2018); IT (2013); LU (2018); MT

(2014); NL (2015); PL (2015); PT (2013); RO (2016); SI (2015); SV (2014), LV (2023). 4 Committee of the Parties - Istanbul Convention Action against violence against women and domestic

violence (coe.int)

5 Rule 2.1.b of the Rules of Procedures of the Committee of the Parties. Document IC-CP(2015)2,

adopted on 4 May 2015

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2.3. The monitoring mechanism of the Istanbul Convention

The Istanbul Convention establishes a monitoring mechanism to ensure its effective

implementation by the Parties6. The purpose is to assess how the Convention is put into

practice and to provide guidance to the Parties. The monitoring mechanism consists of two

distinct but interacting bodies: an independent expert body (the Group of Experts on Action

against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence ‘GREVIO’) and the CoP.

GREVIO is an independent group of experts tasked with monitoring the Convention’s

implementation on a country-by-country basis, in accordance with Article 66(1) of the

Convention. The monitoring procedure is set out in Article 68 of the Convention. In

accordance with Article 68(1) of the Convention, new Parties are required to submit a report

(based on a questionnaire prepared by GREVIO) that details the legislative and other

measures they have taken to give effect to the Convention. GREVIO prepares a report on the

measures taken by that Party concerned to implement the Convention, and makes suggestions

and proposals on how that Party may deal with problems that have been identified7.

The CoP, based on GREVIO’s report and in accordance with Article 68(12) of the

Convention, may adopt recommendations addressed to the Party concerned on the

implementation of the Convention and set a deadline for the Party to submit a response on

their implementation of the recommendations. Based on this provision, the CoP has been

adopting recommendations to Parties which differentiate between actions that should be

taken as soon as possible, with a requirement to report back within a three-year period, and

actions that while important, do not carry the same level of immediacy. At the end of the

three-year period, the Party must report back to the CoP on the progress made in

implementing the recommendations that were addressed to it. On the basis of this

information, and any additional information obtained, the secretariat of the Committee8

prepares the conclusions on the implementation of the recommendations in relation to each

Party under review, which the CoP adopts.

2.4. The election of GREVIO members

In line with Article 66 of the Convention, GREVIO is composed of 15 members. Its

members are elected by the CoP from among candidates nominated by the Parties for a term

of office of four years, renewable once. GREVIO members are chosen from among nationals

of the Parties, considering a gender and geographical balance, as well as multidisciplinary

expertise.

The Istanbul Convention entrusted the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe

(CoM) with determining the procedure for electing the members of GREVIO. On 19

November 2014, the CoM adopted Resolution CM/Res(2014)43 on rules of the election

procedure of the members of the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against

Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO)9 (CoM Resolution). GREVIO adopted its own

Rules of Procedure in 201510.

6 Article 1(2) of the Istanbul Convention. 7 Article 68(10)of the Istanbul Convention. 8 The applicable procedure for supervising the implementation and the reporting is defined in the

‘Framework for supervising the implementation of the recommendations addressed to state parties’,

adopted by the CoP on 13 April 2021, IC-CP/Inf(2021)2. 10 Contained in document IC-CP(2024)10

rev.

9 CM/Res(2014)43 10 Rules of Procedure (amended)

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During the CoP meeting on 2 June 2026, five new GREVIO members are expected to be

elected. They will hold office from 1 September 2026 until 31 August 2030. The elections

will be organised in successive rounds. Each Party, including the EU, will have as many

votes per round as there are seats remaining to be filled on GREVIO. Accordingly, in the

first round, each Party may cast five votes. If one member is elected in that round, each Party

may cast four votes in the second round, and so on. The rounds will continue until five

GREVIO members are elected by a majority of the valid votes cast.

On 21 April 2026, the CoP secretariat shared, in document IC-CP(2026)2, the names and

curricula vitae of the candidates nominated by the Parties for the election scheduled on 2

June 2026. The document indicates that 13 Parties have nominated 15 candidates for the 5

available spots. Out of the 13 nominating countries, 11 are EU Member States.

3. THE ENVISAGED ACTS TO BE ADOPTED BY THE COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES

3.1. The nine draft conclusions

On 2 June 2026, during its 20th meeting, it is foreseen that the CoP will proceed with the

adoption of the following nine draft conclusions (the ‘draft conclusions’):

(1) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Bosnia

and Herzegovina adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in

document IC-CP(2026)4 prov.

(2) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Cyprus

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)5

prov.

(3) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Estonia

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)6

prov.

(4) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Georgia

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)7

prov.

(5) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Germany

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)8

prov.

(6) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Iceland

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)9

prov.

(7) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Norway

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-

CP(2026)10 prov.

(8) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Romania

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-

CP(2026)11 prov.

(9) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of

Switzerland adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document

C-CP(2026)12 prov.

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3.2. The envisaged election of five GREVIO members

On 2 June 2026, during its 20th meeting, it is foreseen that the CoP will proceed with the

election of five GREVIO members who will take up office as of 1 September 2026 until 31

August 2030.

3.3. The envisaged nine draft conclusions of the CoP

The draft conclusions concern the implementation of provisions of the Convention which

relate to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, such as matters on the protection of victims

and support for victims of violence against women and domestic violence, and the

implementation of provisions on asylum and non-refoulement. These matters are covered by

the Union acquis, in particular the Directive on combating violence against women and

domestic violence11, the Victims’ Rights Directive12, the Qualification Regulation13, the

Asylum Procedures Regulation14, the Reception Conditions Directive15 and the Family

Reunification Directive16. They fall within the EU’s exclusive competence insofar as the

relevant provisions of the Convention may affect common rules or alter their scope within the

meaning of Article 3(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). As

the envisaged acts are capable of decisively influencing the content of Union law in that they

may affect the interpretation of relevant provisions of the Convention in the future, it is

appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Unions behalf in the CoP with regard

to matters related to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement.

The draft conclusions on matters falling within the competence of the Union are in line with

the Union’s objectives, policies and the legal framework in the areas of judicial cooperation in

criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement and do not raise any concerns with respect to

Union law. It is therefore proposed that the Union does not object to the adoption of the draft

conclusions at the 20th meeting of the CoP.

3.4. The envisaged election of five GREVIO members

As a member of the CoP, the EU holds five votes in the upcoming election of five GREVIO

members at the CoP meeting on 2 June 2026. The members will be elected by the CoP from

the 15 candidates that have been nominated by 13 Parties.

Out of the 13 nominating Parties, 11 are EU Member States. All nominated candidates

demonstrate extensive multidisciplinary experience in the area of combating violence against

11 Directive 2024/1385 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on combating

violence against women and domestic violence (OJ L, 2024/1385, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/o). 12 Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing

minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council

Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA (OJ L 315, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2012/29/oj). 13 Regulation (EU) 2024/1347 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on

standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of

international protection, for a uniform status for refugees or for persons eligible for subsidiary

protection and for the content of the protection granted, amending Council Directive 2003/109/EC and

repealing Directive 2011/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, OJ L, 2024/1347,

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1347/oj). 14 Regulation 2024/1348 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a common procedure

for international protection in the Union and repealing Directive 2013/32/EU (OJ L, 2024/1348, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1348/oj). 15 Directive 2024/1346 EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 laying down

standards for the reception of applicants for international protection (OJ L, 2024/1346, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1346/OJ). 16 Directive 2003/86 of 22 September 2003 on the right to family reunification (OJ L 251, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2003/86/oj).

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women and domestic violence, as outlined in document IC-CP(2026)2. It is proposed that the

position of the EU should be to abstain in the elections.

4. LEGAL BASIS

4.1. Procedural legal basis

4.1.1. Principles

Article 218(9) TFEU provides for decisions establishing ‘the positions to be adopted on the

Union’s behalf in a body set up by an agreement, when that body is called upon to adopt acts

having legal effects, with the exception of acts supplementing or amending the institutional

framework of the agreement.’ The concept of ‘acts having legal effects’ includes acts that

have legal effects by virtue of the rules of international law governing the body in question. It

also includes instruments that do not have a binding effect under international law, but that

are ‘capable of decisively influencing the content of the legislation adopted by the EU

legislature17.

4.1.2. Application to the present case

The CoP is a body set up by the Istanbul Convention. The envisaged conclusions which the

CoP is called upon to adopt, as well as the decision to abstain in the election of GREVIO

members, constitute acts having legal effects. The envisaged acts are capable of decisively

influencing the content of Union law, because they may affect the interpretation of the

relevant provisions of the Istanbul Convention in the future. Therefore, the procedural legal

basis for the proposed decision is Article 218(9) TFEU.

4.2. Substantive legal basis

4.2.1. Principles

The substantive legal basis for a decision under Article 218(9) TFEU depends primarily on

the objective and content of the envisaged act in respect of which a position is taken on the

Union’s behalf. If the envisaged act pursues two aims or has two components and if one of

those aims or components is identifiable as the main one, whereas the other is merely

incidental, the decision under Article 218(9) TFEU must be founded on a single substantive

legal basis, namely that required by the main or predominant aim or component.

With regard to an envisaged act that simultaneously pursues a number of objectives, or that

has several components, which are inseparably linked without one being incidental to the

other, the substantive legal basis of a decision under Article 218(9) TFEU will have to

include, exceptionally, the various corresponding legal bases.

4.2.2. Application to the present case

As regards the substantive legal basis, the EU has acceded to the Istanbul Convention as

regards matters falling within its exclusive competence, namely with regard to matters

related to institutions and public administration of the Union18 and with regard to matters

17 Judgment of the Court of Justice of 7 October 2014, Germany v Council, C-399/12,

ECLI:EU:C:2014:2258, paragraphs 61 to 64. 18 Council Decision (EU) 2023/1075 of 1 June 2023 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union,

of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and

domestic violence with regard to institutions and public administration of the Union (OJ L 143 I,

2.6.2023, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2023/1075/OJ).

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related to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement19. The EU’s

accession to the Istanbul Convention was split into two separate Council decisions to take

into account the special position of Denmark and Ireland with respect to Title V TFEU.

Consequently, the decision establishing the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf in the

CoP also needs to be split into two decisions, when the relevant conclusions concern both

matters.

The envisaged acts pursue objectives and have components in the area of judicial cooperation

in criminal matters (Article 82(2) and Article 84 TFEU), as well as on asylum and non-

refoulement (Articles 78(2) TFEU). They are inseparably linked without one being incidental

to the other. Therefore, the substantive legal basis for the proposed decision comprises the

following provisions: Article 78(2), Article 82(2) and Article 84 TFEU.

4.3. Conclusion

The legal basis of the proposed decision should be Article 78(2), Article 82(2) and Article 84,

in conjunction with Article 218(9) TFEU.

19 Council Decision (EU) 2023/1076 of 1 June 2023 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union,

of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and

domestic violence with regard to matters related to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and

non-refoulement (OJ L 143 I, 2.6.2023, p. 4, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2023/1076/OJ).

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2026/0116 (NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union in the Committee of the

Parties to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence

against women and domestic violence, at its 20th meeting, on conclusions addressed to

certain Parties on their implementation of that Convention and on the election of

members of the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and

Domestic Violence, with regard to matters related to judicial cooperation in criminal

matters, asylum and non-refoulement

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular

Article 78(2), Article 82(2) and Article 84, in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1) The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against

women and domestic violence (‘the Convention’) was concluded by the Union by

means of Council Decision (EU) 2023/107520 with regard to institutions and public

administration of the Union, and by means of Council Decision (EU) 2023/107621

with regard to matters related to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and

non-refoulement, insofar as such matters fall within the exclusive competence of the

Union, and entered into force for the Union on 1 October 2023.

(2) Pursuant to Article 66(1) of the Convention, the Group of experts on action against

violence against women and domestic violence (‘GREVIO’) is to monitor the

implementation of the Convention by the Parties to the Convention (the ‘Parties’). In

accordance with Article 68(11) of the Convention, GREVIO is to adopt its report and

conclusions concerning the measures taken by the Party concerned to implement the

provisions of the Convention.

(3) The Committee of the Parties (the ‘Committee’) adopts recommendations addressed to

the Party concerned, in accordance with Article 68(12) of the Convention, on the basis

of the report and conclusions of GREVIO. Such recommendations distinguish between

measures to be taken as soon as possible, with a requirement to report back to the

Committee within a three-year period, and measures which, while important, do not

20 Council Decision (EU) 2023/1076 of 1 June 2023 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union,

of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and

domestic violence with regard to matters related to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and

non-refoulement (OJ L 143 I, 2.6.2023, p. 4, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2023/1076/OJ). 21 Council Decision (EU) 2023/1076 of 1 June 2023 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union,

of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and

domestic violence with regard to matters related to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and

non-refoulement (OJ L 143 I, 2.6.2023 p. 4), Decision - 2023/1076 - EN - EUR-Lex.

EN 8 EN

require the same level of immediacy. At the end of that three-year period, the Party

must report back to the Committee on the measures taken, within 10 specific areas of

the Convention. Based on that report, and any additional information, the Committee

is to adopt conclusions on the implementation of the recommendations, prepared by

the secretariat of the Committee.

(4) The Committee, during its 20th meeting on 2 June 2026, is expected to adopt the

following draft conclusions, on the implementation of the Convention by nine Parties

(respectively the ‘draft conclusions’):

(1) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Bosnia

and Herzegovina adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in

document IC-CP(2026)4 prov.

(2) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Cyprus

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)5

prov.

(3) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Estonia

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)6

prov.

(4) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Georgia

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)7

prov.

(5) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Germany

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)8

prov.

(6) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Iceland

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)9

prov.

(7) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Norway

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-

CP(2026)10 prov.

(8) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Romania

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-

CP(2026)11 prov.

(9) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of

Switzerland adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document

C-CP(2026)12 prov.

(5) The draft conclusions concern the implementation of provisions of the Convention

which relate to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, such as matters relating to the

protection and support of victims of violence against women and domestic violence.

The draft conclusions also concern the implementation of provisions of the

Convention relating to asylum and non-refoulement. Those matters are covered by the

Union acquis, in particular Council Directive 2003/86/EC22, Directives 2012/29/EU23

22 Council Directive 2003/86/EC of 22 September 2003 on the right to family reunification (OJ L 251,

3.10.2003, p. 12, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2003/86/oj). 23 Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing

minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council

EN 9 EN

(EU) 2024/134624 and (EU) 2024/138525 of the European Parliament and of the

Council, and Regulations (EU) 2024/134726 and (EU) 2024/1348 of the European

Parliament and of the Council27.

(6) The envisaged acts will have legal effects, as they are capable of decisively

influencing the content of Union law in that they could affect the interpretation of

relevant provisions of the Convention in the future. It is therefore appropriate to

establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf in the Committee for matters

related to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement.

(7) It should be noted that conclusions relating to certain articles of the Convention fall

only partly within the Union’s competence. Regarding those articles, this decision

should be without prejudice to Member States’ competence. In particular, as regards

recommendations on Articles 49 and 50 of the Convention, this decision should not

affect Member States’ competence on the internal organisation and administration of

their justice systems; and as regards recommendations on Article 31 of the

Convention, this decision should be without prejudice to Member States’ competence

in the area of family law.

(8) As regards Bosnia and Herzegovina, the draft conclusions on its implementation of the

Convention include the need to: harmonise policies and measures taken to implement

the Convention by ensuring they cover all forms of violence against women and all

parts of the state territory and that they are independently monitored and evaluated

(Article 7 of the Convention); streamline the number of existing coordinating bodies

and ensure sufficient financial resources (Article 10 of the Convention); pursue efforts

to collect systematic, comparable and disaggregated data from all relevant resources

(Article 11 of the Convention), ensure that emergency barring orders are issued

quickly in situations of immediate danger and can extend to the victim’s children and

that there are no gaps between orders (Article 52 and 53 of the Convention); and

enable migrant women who are victims of violence covered by the Convention to

apply for an autonomous residence permit (Article 59 of the Convention). As these

draft conclusions are in line with the Union’s policies and objectives in the area of

judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement and do not raise

any concerns with respect to Union law, the position of the Union should be to not

object to their adoption.

Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA (OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 57-73,

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2012/29/OJ). 24 Directive (EU) 2024/1346 EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 laying

down standards for the reception of applicants for international protection (OJ L, 2024/1346, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1346/OJ).

25 Directive (EU) 2024/1385 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on

combating violence against women and domestic violence (OJ L, 2024/1385, 24.5.2024, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/oj). 26 Regulation (EU) 2024/1347 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on

standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of

international protection, for a uniform status for refugees or for persons eligible for subsidiary

protection and for the content of the protection granted, amending Council Directive 2003/109/EC and

repealing Directive 2011/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, OJ L, 2024/1347,

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1347/oj). 27 Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 establishing

a common procedure for international protection in the Union and repealing Directive 2013/32/EU (OJ

L, 2024/1348, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1348/oj)

EN 10 EN

(9) As regards Cyprus, the draft conclusions on its implementation of the Convention

include the need to: ensure that the provisions of the Convention are implemented

without discrimination (Article 4 of the Convention); pursue efforts to collect

systematic, comparable and disaggregated data from all relevant resources (Article 11

of the Convention); enable the competent authorities to evict a perpetrator of domestic

violence from the shared residence in situations of immediate danger and ensure that

such orders are monitored and enforced, and that sanctions for breaches are effectively

applied in practice (Article 52 and 53 of the Convention); and develop and implement

guidelines on gender-sensitive reception procedures and on the prevention of gender-

based violence against women and girls in asylum accommodation (Article 60 of the

Convention). As these draft conclusions are in line with the Union’s policies and

objectives in the area of judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-

refoulement and do not raise any concerns with respect to Union law, the position of

the Union should be to not object to their adoption.

(10) As regards Estonia, the draft conclusions on its implementation of the Convention

include the need to: ensure that relevant policies and measures address all forms of

violence against women covered by the Convention and are implemented based on a

gendered understanding of violence and that their impact is being evaluated (Article 7

of the Convention); ensure that due considerations is given to the safety of women

victims of domestic violence and their children in custody and visitation proceedings

(Article 31 of the Convention); and ensure that the legal framework and practice

concerning emergency barring orders are in line with the Convention (Article 52 of the

Convention). As these draft conclusions are in line with the Union’s policies and

objectives in the area of judicial cooperation in criminal matters and do not raise any

concerns with respect to Union law, the position of the Union should be to not object

to their adoption.

(11) As regards Georgia, the draft conclusions on its implementation of the Convention

include the need to: ensure that all relevant policies and measures implement a

gendered understanding of violence and that their impact is subject to systematic

evaluation (Article 7 of the Convention); ensure that women’s rights organisations are

provided with adequate and sustainable financing and are being consulted regularly

(Article 9 of the Convention); ensure that institutionalised structures are in place for

coordination and cooperation between relevant actors to ensure a multi-agency,

coordinated response to all forms of violence covered by the Convention (Article 18 of

the Convention); expand the number and capacity of shelters and ensure the existence

of same-sex shelters (Article 23 of the Convention) and ensure that criminal liability

for rape can be established without unnecessary procedures or practices that may lead

to the re-traumatisation of victims (Article 49 and 50 of the Convention). As these

draft conclusions are in line with the Union’s policies and objectives in the area of

judicial cooperation in criminal matters and do not raise any concerns with respect to

Union law, the position of the Union should be to not object to their adoption.

(12) As regards Germany, the draft conclusions on its implementation of the Convention

include the need to: adopt nation-wide definitions in line with the Convention (Article

3 of the Convention); ensure coordination and cooperation between all relevant actors

in implementing policies and measures to prevent and combat all forms of violence

against women and domestic violence, and provide a multi-agency and coordinated

response without discrimination (Article 7 of the Convention); and to ensure that all

relevant sectors collect disaggregated data (Article 11 of the Convention). As these

draft conclusions are in line with the Union’s policies and objectives in the area of

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judicial cooperation in criminal matters and do not raise any concerns with respect to

Union law, the position of the Union should be to not object to their adoption.

(13) As regards Iceland, the draft conclusions on its implementation of the Convention

include the need to: ensure that the national coordinating body is given a clear

mandate to fulfil its functions and provided with dedicated resources (Article 10 of the

Convention); and to reinforce prosecutorial and investigative capacity in relation to all

forms of violence against women and ensure systematic and gender-sensitive risk

assessment (Article 49, 50 and 51 of the Convention). As these draft conclusions are in

line with the Union’s policies and objectives in the area of judicial cooperation in

criminal matters and do not raise any concerns with respect to Union law, the position

of the Union should be to not object to their adoption.

(14) As regards Norway, the draft conclusions on its implementation of the Convention

include the need to: ensure that national policy documents are well-coordinated and

provide a holistic response to all forms of violence against women and domestic

violence (Article 7 of the Convention); ensure that the data collected by relevant

stakeholders are disaggregated (Article 11 of the Convention); and to take measures to

ensure that competent authorities can order a perpetrator of domestic violence to

vacate the resistance of the victim in situations of immediate danger and to reduce the

processing time for orders (Article 52 of the Convention). As these draft conclusions

are in line with the Union’s policies and objectives in the area of judicial cooperation

in criminal matters and do not raise any concerns with respect to Union law, the

position of the Union should be to not object to their adoption.

(15) As regards Romania, the draft conclusions on its implementation of the Convention

include the need to: improve the application of the Convention to all forms of violence

covered by the Convention, ensure the provisions of the Convention are implemented

without discrimination, take measures to align relevant legislation with the definition

of domestic violence, and introduce a gender perspective into Romania’s Domestic

Violence Law (Article 3 and 4 of the Convention); ensure coordination and

cooperation between all relevant actors in implementing policies and measures to

prevent and combat violence against women and domestic (Article 7 of the

Convention); ensure appropriate financial resources for the implementation of relevant

policies and measures and stable and sustainable funding for women’s NGOs

supporting victims (Article 8 of the Convention); and ensure the collection of

disaggregated data (Article 11 of the Convention). As these draft conclusions are in

line with the Union’s policies and objectives in the area of judicial cooperation in

criminal matters and do not raise any concerns with respect to Union law, the position

of the Union should be to not object to their adoption.

(16) As regards Switzerland, the draft conclusions on its implementation of the Convention

include the need to: ensure a common understanding of violence against women in

accordance with the Convention and take efforts to address and combat violence

against victims exposed to intersectional discrimination (Article 3 and 4 of the

Convention); ensure appropriate funding for relevant policies and measures and

sustainable funding for organisations providing specialist support services to women

victims of violence (Article 8 of the Convention); continue efforts to improve the

collection of disaggregated data in the criminal justice sector (Article 11 of the

Convention); ensure that victims and their children have access to specialist shelters

throughout the country (Article 22 and 23); and to ensure the safety of victims and

their children in the exercise of visitation rights (Article 31 of the Convention). As

these draft conclusions are in line with the Union’s policies and objectives in the area

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of judicial cooperation in criminal matters and do not raise any concerns with respect

to Union law, the position of the Union should be to not object to their adoption.

(17) During the Committee meeting on 2 June 2026, five GREVIO members are expected

to be elected. They will hold office from 1 September 2026 until 31 August 2030.

Pursuant to Article 66 of the Convention, GREVIO is composed of 15 members. Its

members must be elected by the Committee from among candidates nominated by the

Parties for a term of office of four years, renewable once. GREVIO members are to be

chosen from among nationals of the Parties, taking into account a gender and

geographical balance, as well as multidisciplinary expertise.

(18) As a member of the Committee, the Union is entitled to five votes during the

envisaged election of five members. The five members are to be elected by the

Committee from the 15 candidates that have been nominated by 13 Parties. Out of the

13 nominating countries, 11 are EU Member States. As all nominated candidates have

extensive multidisciplinary experience in the area of combating violence against

women and domestic violence, as outlined in document IC-CP(2026)2, the position of

the EU should be to abstain in these elections.

(19) Ireland is not bound by Council Decision (EU) 2023/1076 and is therefore not taking

part in the adoption of this Decision.

(20) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark,

annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the

European Union, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not

bound by it or subject to its application,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The position to be taken on behalf of the Union within the Committee of the Parties

established under Article 67 of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and

combating violence against women and domestic violence, at its 20th meeting, shall be:

1) to not object to the adoption of the following acts:

(1) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Bosnia

and Herzegovina adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in

document IC-CP(2026)4 prov.

(2) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Cyprus

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)5

prov.

(3) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Estonia

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)6

prov.

(4) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Georgia

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)7

prov.

(5) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Germany

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)8

prov.

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(6) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Iceland

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-CP(2026)9

prov.

(7) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Norway

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-

CP(2026)10 prov.

(8) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of Romania

adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document IC-

CP(2026)11 prov.

(9) Conclusions on the implementation of recommendations in respect of

Switzerland adopted by the Committee of the Parties, contained in document

C-CP(2026)12 prov.

2) to abstain in the election of five members of the Group of Experts on Action against

Violence against Women and Domestic Violence .

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President