Commission renews its policy against psychological and sexual harassment

The European Commission has revised its policy against psychological and sexual harassment, streamlining and modernising formal and informal redress mechanisms for victims. The renewed policy is based on a comprehensive approach further building on the strong harassment prevention measures already in place. It will also establish the post and the figure of the ‘Chief Confidential Counsellor' to oversee the policy on prevention and fight against harassment while ensuring its greater visibility within the institution. 

Moreover, the reform improves procedures in terms of awareness-raising as well as early detection of risks conducive to harassment and bystander interventions. Training will continue to be an essential component of the harassment prevention activities: all current and newly appointed managers will have to follow a mandatory training on prevention of and the fight against harassment.

Budget and Administration Commissioner Johannes Hahn said: “There is no place for harassment in the Commission, in whatever form, be it psychological or sexual. For all of us, this must be an absolute priority. With the ambition to lead by example, we have renewed the Commission's policy against harassment. We have done this based on extensive consultations with staff, including with staff representatives and networks. But now it's up to all of us to put our commitments into effect every day, everywhere in the Commission.”

Combatting harassment goes hand in hand with the Commission's efforts to promote a world of work that is safe, respectful, and which supports and encourages diversity, all of which are key elements of the new Human Resources Strategy of the Commission.  

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