Ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, on 25 November, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu and Commissioner Lahbib, on behalf of the European Commission, and High Representative/Vice-President, Kaja Kallas, issued the following statement: “Gender-based violence is unacceptable. On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the European Union renews its determination to end all forms of violence against women and girls and to ensure that every person can live free from fear and harm”. Across the EU, the joint statement points out, “one in three women has experienced gender-based violence. Behind each number is a person whose life, health, and dignity have been violated. Violence against women can take many forms, can happen anywhere and to anyone. Ending this requires action”. The EU “is taking concrete steps”, and the following points are listed: accession to the Istanbul Convention, adoption of the first-ever EU law to combat violence against women and domestic violence. “Our efforts do not stop at Europe’s borders. The EU works globally to end sexual and gender-based violence, partnering with governments, UN agencies, civil society, women’s rights organisations, peacebuilders and human rights defenders”. “Ending violence against women and girls is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can and must make it happen”.