ENoMW Letter to EC
ENoMW expresses its deep concern and unequivocal condemnation regarding the virtual workshop “Taller Virtual: Introducción a la Asistencia Sexual” (Virtual Workshop: Introduction to “Sexual Assistance”), held on 29 October 2025, which was publicly presented as funded by the European Union. The promotional material for this event displayed the official EU emblem accompanied by the statement “Financiado por la Unión Europea” (“Funded by the European Union”).
Misrepresentation of EU Values
The use of the EU emblem in connection with this workshop raises serious concerns regarding compliance with the European Union’s legal and policy framework on human dignity, women’s rights, and equality between women and men. Such activities contradict:
- Article 83(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU): recognizing sexual exploitation of women and children as a particularly serious crime;
- Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union – Article 1: the inviolability of human dignity;
- European Parliament Resolution of 14 March 2024 (2022/2139(INI)) reaffirming that prostitution constitutes a violation of human rights and a form of male violence against women.
This Is Male Violence
ENoMW identifies this activity as part of the broader continuum of male violence against women. Sexual exploitation under the guise of “assistance” perpetuates patriarchal control, targeting women and persons with disabilities for sexual purposes. Presenting such activity as EU-funded dangerously normalizes exploitation and undermines the rights and safety of those involved.
ENoMW calls on the European Commission to urgently clarify:
- Under which funding stream, project, or intermediary mechanism this activity was financed;
- Whether the use of the EU emblem in this context was authorised; and
- What corrective actions will be taken to ensure compliance with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The public display of the EU emblem on promotional material for activities of this nature misrepresents the Union’s values, threatens the EU’s credibility, and undermines efforts to combat male violence and exploitation.
ENoMW urges the European Commission to:
- Provide a transparent explanation of the funding and approval process for the workshop;
- Take immediate measures to prevent misuse of the EU emblem in initiatives that promote sexual exploitation; and
- Ensure that all EU-funded activities comply with ethical standards and legal obligations protecting human dignity and women’s rights.
As a feminist organisation advocating for women’s rights and the elimination of all forms of exploitation across Europe, ENoMW stands in solidarity with all individuals affected by this activity and calls for urgent action to prevent further misuse of EU funding and symbols.