European electoral act: Council agrees to allow proxy voting for MEPs during pregnancy and after giving birth
On 17 March 2026, the Council agreed to amend the European electoral law to allow proxy voting at the European Parliament (EP) during late pregnancy and early motherhood.
A Member of the European Parliament (MEP) who is pregnant or has recently given birth may delegate her vote to another member for up to three months before the estimated date of birth and up to six months after childbirth.
"By enabling proxy voting for MEPs who are pregnant or have recently given birth, we are actively supporting women’s participation in European politics, making it easier for them to balance their parliamentary duties with motherhood."
Find more information on the official website of the Council of the EU.
