The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland, warmly welcomed today the European Union Council's decisions on the signing of the Council of Europe Convention (Istanbul Convention) on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. 

By deciding to join the Istanbul Convention, the European Union confirms its commitment  to combating violence against women within its territory and globally, and strengthens the  existing legal framework and its capacity to act. 

Helena Dalli, minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties of Malta said : "Violence against women is a violation of human rights and an extreme form of discrimination. By joining the Istanbul convention, the EU reaffirms its leading role in ending violence against women and tackling all forms of discrimination based on gender. This is yet another achievement that will surely have a positive effect on those who are vulnerable to gender-based violence." 

The decision on signing is the first step in the process of the EU joining the Convention. Following the official signing,  accession requires the adoption of the decisions on the conclusion of the Convention. These decisions will need the consent of the Parliament.