Luxembourg Hosts EPSCO Council Meeting on Social Policy, Gender Equality, Inclusion

On Friday 17 October 2025, Luxembourg hosted the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) Council meeting of the European Union (EU).

Yuriko Backes, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, and Max Hahn, Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees, represented Luxembourg at this meeting.

According to their respective ministries, during discussions on combating hatred, discrimination and violence against LGBTIQ+ people, Minister Backes deplored the increasing number of attacks and discrimination experienced by the LGBTIQ+ community worldwide. The minister highlighted the new national action plans on promoting the rights of LGBTIQ+ people and on gender-based violence, which include concrete actions to combat violence and discrimination in a concerted manner.

The ministers also approved key documents prepared by the Social Protection Committee and the Employment Committee and were briefed by Carlien Scheele, Director of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), on the first results of the Gender Equality Index 2025.

At the invitation of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU, an informal luncheon discussed the fight against sexual violence and the promotion of consent in sexual relationships. Minister Backes emphasised that Luxembourg continues to work at the European level to institutionalise the "only yes means yes" principle, meaning that explicit consent from the parties concerned is required at all times. The minister clarified that "it seems clear to us that gender stereotypes, and their deconstruction, play a fundamental role in breaking with attitudes that objectify women and girls and deny them their full humanity."

During the afternoon session, Minister Hahn highlighted Luxembourg's efforts to guarantee and strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities. He called for a coherent and inclusive approach across all public policies and for the translation of European objectives into tangible progress for citizens. Minister Hahn notably addressed the need to promote accessibility and universal design, and to develop local services and personalized support.

EU ministers also approved Council conclusions on violence against women and domestic violence (prevention, early detection and intervention), as well as on the social inclusion of persons with disabilities through the promotion of independent living.

On the sidelines of the Council, Minister Backes held a discussion with her Swedish counterpart, Minister Nina Larsson, on the links between societal resilience, advocacy efforts and gender equality. Minister Hahn, in turn, met with his Belgian counterpart, Minister Rob Beenders, for an exchange of views on promoting social inclusion and strengthening the autonomy of people with disabilities.