Proxy Voting for Pregnant and New‑Parent MEPs

Key Decision on Voting Rules

The European Parliament has approved a change to the rules governing how Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) vote during main plenary sessions.

• The Change: MEPs who are pregnant or who have recently given birth will now be allowed to vote by proxy.
• What is Proxy Voting? This means the MEP can authorize another MEP to vote on their behalf during the plenary session.
• Purpose: The change aims to ensure that these MEPs can fully participate in parliamentary work without needing to be physically present for every vote.

Parliament's Actions

The Parliament took the following steps regarding this decision:

• It gave its formal consent to the draft decision from the Council.
• It instructed its President to send its position on the decision to three groups:
  • The Council
  • The European Commission
  • The national parliaments of EU member states

Background Details

• Legal Impact: This decision amends the European Electoral Act, which is the law that governs how MEPs are elected.
• Goal: The change is part of a broader effort to modernize and improve the functioning of the Parliament.
• Official Record: The full decision is published in the Official Journal of the EU (C/2026/1667, 22 April 2026).

Broader context

The European Electoral Act is the legal framework that governs the election of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). It ensures consistency in how MEPs are elected across all EU member states. This amendment is part of a wider push to modernize parliamentary procedures and make them more inclusive and accessible.

The introduction of proxy voting for MEPs who are pregnant or have recently given birth aligns with broader EU efforts to promote work-life balance and gender equality in political representation. Similar provisions already exist in some national parliaments, and this change brings the European Parliament in line with best practices in member states.

Impact on people living in the EU

This change directly affects MEPs, ensuring that those who are pregnant or have recently given birth can continue to participate in parliamentary votes without being physically present. This helps maintain full representation in the Parliament, as MEPs can still have their voices heard on important legislation.

For EU citizens, this amendment reinforces the principle that parental status should not be a barrier to political participation. It sets a precedent for inclusive policies in other EU institutions and may encourage similar reforms at the national level. While it does not directly impact the daily lives of most citizens, it contributes to a more representative and responsive European Parliament.