Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament (EP), has taken a step forward in modernising parliamentary procedures, as the comittee approved her proposed rule change allowing Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to vote by proxy during pregnancy and after childbirth – meaning another MEP can vote on their behalf.

The proposal, initially put forward in June, was recently approved by the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs with an overwhelming majority: 28 votes in favor and only one against. This amendment to the European Electoral Act will enable pregnant MEPs to delegate their voting rights to a colleague for a period starting three months before their due date and extending up to six months after giving birth.

Currently, MEPs must be physically present to cast their votes, although they are excused from attending meetings during the maternity period. Ms Metsola’s reform addresses this gap, ensuring that lawmakers can maintain their parliamentary responsibilities without having to choose between their child and their role as elected representatives.

In response to the committee’s decision, Ms Metsola expressed her enthusiasm on social media, calling the reform a “giant leap” towards making politics more accessible for mothers.

The next stage for this reform is a vote in the full European Parliament during its November session. Following parliamentary approval, the amendment will be forwarded to the European Council, where unanimous consent from all member states is required.

If the Council requests changes, the revised proposal must again be approved by a majority of MEPs before becoming law.