Hadja Lahbib, new EU commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality

The Renew Europe group welcomes the European Parliament’s approval of Hadja Lahbib (MR, Belgium) as Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality.

We welcome Hadja Lahbib's willingness to place the issue of equality and the fight against discrimination at the heart of her priorities. Her commitment to present a roadmap on women's rights and a renewed LGBTIQ+ Equality and anti-racism strategy early next year is in line with the priorities of our Renew Europe group. We will support her efforts to fully implement the Istanbul Convention and protect sexual rights.

During her hearing, Hadja Lahbib also committed to develop a sustainable humanitarian strategy able to deal with the increasing number of crises, the financing of which is too often short-term and unanticipated.

At a time when the EU is facing an increase in the number of natural disasters due to climate change and must respond to numerous humanitarian crises, this portfolio is a strategic tool for implementing the fundamental principle of solidarity between Europeans and with third countries.

Renew Europe therefore welcomes Hadja Lahbib's firm commitment to strengthening the EU's civil protection mechanism and humanitarian action, and to developing a European preparedness strategy.

Abir Al-Sahlani (Centerpartiet, Sweden), Renew coordinator for Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee (FEMM), said : “Hadja Lahbib made an excellent case for how to ensure the EU remains a strong champion of gender equality. Women’s rights are challenged in and outside of Europe, and after the American election results, it will soon get even worse. I am proud and certain that Lahbib will be a tireless defender of the rights of women and girls everywhere, and that she will be an important player in making every single Commissioner pay attention to gender equality.”

Barry Andrews (Fianna Fáil, Ireland), Chair of the Committee on Development (DEVE) said : “Today’s positive evaluation of Commissioner-designate Hadja Lahbib is a promising step forward for our collective vision of a more just and sustainable world. Her commitment to supporting fragile countries, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, and prioritising investment in humanitarian aid and humanitarian–development nexus reflects the values we must uphold in these challenging times.”