EU as a global player

RFSU uses different methods to engage the EU as a global player. We strive to influence proposals and decisions made in the EU parliament by calling SRHR issues to the attention of Swedish politicians and civil servants. We also work to increase knowledge among civil servants in the Commission and through our various Swedish ambassadors, who have the opportunity to address EU-delegations in the field.

The EU is the world’s largest foreign aid contributor and has an important influence over global SRHR politics. The EU’s member states have a strong voice within the UN and often negotiate together, for example, when the UN’s Commission for Women convenes. The EU has adopted important proposals concerning SRHR issues, but views regarding SRHR are still divided. For example, Malta, Poland, and Ireland work against proposals and initiatives that concern women’s right to abortion and sexuality education. There are even prominent lobby groups within the EU that work against young girls and women’s rights to decide over their own bodies as well as their right to information and education.

RFSU also aims to affect what happens with the EU and EU politics in the area of SRHR. The EU does not have the right to enforce initiatives within all areas of SRHR, but still has a meaningful role. For example, the EU has provided strategies to the member countries for improving young people’s sexual health. Furthermore, since 2008, a proposal has been discussed for a directive that would force member countries to improve their discrimination laws, including giving LGBT-persons better protection against intolerance.