Greens/EFA policy for the prevention, mediation and inquiry of psychological and sexual harassment

The Greens/EFA Group has always led in demanding that sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour is stamped out in politics. We have pushed for stronger measures to be put in place in the European Parliament to protect those who come forward. Cases of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour are still not dealt with adequately at an institutional level. Procedures are too slow and bureaucratic, and the onus is put on those who speak up, rather than those in power. Reforming the manner in which the EP administration handles cases of harassment remains a priority for the Greens/EFA Group.

The Green/EFA Group recognises these institutional short-comings and has acted to enhance our own internal procedures to better anticipate possible issues and better protect staff. In March 2023 the Bureau of the Group agreed to revise the group’s anti-harassment procedure, to increase victim protection, ensure procedures carried out entirely by external experts, and to include the possibility of internal sanctions.

Following an external audit, this updated Group anti-harassment policy was voted by the Group on 8 November 2023, and is now in place.

Any person belonging to the categories mentioned in point 1.3.* has the right to request a mediation or inquiry procedure.

Steps to take: 
The request to initiate a procedure should be addressed to the anti-harassment assistant in the Greens/EFA HR Department. A first meeting should take place within a working week. At this meeting the anti-harassment assistant will explain all options depending on the person’s specific situation, while at all times respecting the concerned person’s wish on how to have their case handled.

Consult the full policy for detailed procedure:
GREENS/EFA POLICY FOR THE PREVENTION, MEDIATION AND INQUIRY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT

*1.3. This policy applies to every person working in the Greens/EFA Group: MEPs, APAs, local assistants, staff members, Group’s and MEPs’ interns - regardless of grade or status. It also includes external staff contractually bound to the Greens/EFA group, such as external trainers, coaches, and staff hired for events organised for/by the group.