ECR MEPs meet in Valencia; Surrogacy: a political and ethical challenge for Europe; Numbers of anti-Christian hatred incidents in Europe on the rise; Women empowerment in the workplace

ECR MEPs meet in Valencia

From Wednesday to Friday, ECR MEPs will meet in Valencia for a Bureau Meeting. Discussions will cover key topics including the Mercosur trade deal, tackling illegal migration in Europe, and advancing a European strategy for technological self-sufficiency.

When: Wednesday–Friday

Where: Valencia, Spain

Surrogacy: a political and ethical challenge for Europe

On Wednesday, ECR MEPs Paolo Inselvini, Bert-Jan Ruissen, and Stephen Bartulica will host a conference focusing on the political and ethical challenges of surrogacy in Europe. The event will be opened by H.E. Ms Eugenia Roccella, Italy’s Minister for Equal Opportunities, Family and Natality, and Ms Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women and Girls. Surrogacy is currently on the EU’s political agenda due to the pending Parenthood Regulation. The discussion aims to shed light on the complex implications of surrogacy, exploring how EU policy can address this growing global phenomenon while protecting women’s and children’s rights. Participants will also hear first-hand testimonies from women and children directly affected by surrogacy practices, offering a unique and human perspective on the reproductive market that has emerged around this issue.

When: Wednesday @ 14:00–18:00

Where: SPAAK 1A2

Numbers of anti-Christian hatred incidents in Europe on the rise

On Tuesday, for the first time ever, OIDAC Europe will present its Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe Report 2025 in the European Parliament in a conference organised by the Intergroup on Freedom of Religion, Belief and Conscience. Director Anja Tang-Hoffmann was invited by MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen, co-chair of the Intergroup to share the data collected by OIDAC Europe, an NGO based in Austria. Last year’s report showed a sharp rise of anti-Christian hatred in Europe, marking many incidents against Christians – including murder. MEP Ruissen is concerned and demands EU action. “As a first step, to show commitment, Commissioner Brunner and President Von der Leyen should appoint a Coordinator on combatting attacks and discrimination against Christians in the EU, like there is for Muslim hatred and Antisemitism. We’ve called for this before and will reiterate this.”

When: Tuesday @ 10:00–12:00

Where: SPINELLI 1H1

Women empowerment in the workplace

On Tuesday, ECR MEP and Chair of the ECR Working Group on Female Conservative Leaders, Assita Kanko, will host a lunch roundtable in the European Parliament, in collaboration with the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030. The roundtable will bring together MEPs, business leaders, and civil society representatives to exchange ideas on women’s empowerment in the workplace and to network. The discussion will focus on how leadership can drive meaningful progress in Europe and beyond, identifying practical tools and policy frameworks that promote equal opportunities, transparency, and measurable outcomes, while respecting national competences and cultural diversity across Member States.

When: Tuesday @ 12:00–14:00

Where: Salon MEP, European Parliament

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