The European Union has approved a reform allowing pregnant and new mother members of the European Parliament to vote by proxy, according to reports from Swedish media. The decision was made at an EU ministerial meeting in Brussels on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Under the new system, expectant and new mothers who are MEPs will be able to have someone else vote on their behalf for three months before their expected due date and up to six months after giving birth.
Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Denmark reportedly expressed support for the reform but had hoped it would have been implemented earlier and extended further. Swedish EU Minister Jessica Rosencrantz commented on the decision, stating, 'I think it's a wonder that this system doesn't already exist. It's good that it's now being put in place...
I think it's a wonder that this system doesn't already exist. It's good that it's now being put in place... but we think this should also include fathers who have just had children, or partners.
' The reform addresses a longstanding gap in parliamentary procedures for members experiencing pregnancy and new motherhood.