Don’t kiss staff or be suggestive, says MEPS’ guide
European Parliament issues official booklet on sex harassment after string of allegations by aides
MEPS have been warned against kissing their assistants, making suggestive remarks or rubbing up against staff, in a sexual harassment guidebook published by the European Parliament. It follows a string of accusations of groping and stalking in the parliament.
THE European Parliament has warned MEPS not to pinch or rub against their staff, or indulge in pornography, exhibitionism or voyeurism, in the first guidebook to stop them being accused of sexual harassment.
The official booklet is accompanied by a poster campaign in the parliament. The posters are positioned outside voting chambers and in canteens, although one source observed they would “be better placed in the members’ bars”.
Zero Harassment in the Workplace: A Guide for Members of the European Parliament was published after more than a dozen female aides made a string of allegations against MEPS in Brussels and Strasbourg after the Harvey Weinstein scandal.
The accusations of groping and stalking prompted an empassioned debate in the parliament among mostly female MEPS, as the #metoo campaign against sexual harassment hit headlines across the world.
European Commission officials made more than one formal sexual harassment complaint against their colleagues a month on average over the past five years, The Telegraph revealed in October.
The flyer, which depicts a suited man with his head in his hands on the cover, includes common-sense advice such as not to offer promotions in exchange for sex or force “deliberate unwanted kisses” on assistants. Suggestive remarks, innuendo, threats if advances are turned down, and “repeated and exaggerated compliments on the appearance of a staff member” could also constitute sexual harassment, the guide warns.
It adds: “Only unwelcome conduct is considered sexual harassment. Consensual dating is not considered harassment if not unwelcome or offensive.”
“Consent has to be expressed in a free-willing manner and cannot be forced by using your influence or power.”
The advice was mocked on Twitter by Brussels-watchers, who were incredulous that MEPS needed to be told such basic information.
One asked: “Is unconsensual dating a thing?”
MEPS, rather than the parliament itself, are the employers of their assistants, which puts them at increased risk of harassment. The posts are highly prized and competition is fierce.
The guidebook warns that tough punishments will be meted out to MEPS by a special committee, with the lightest sanction being a public reprimand during the full plenary session of the parliament.
“This can have serious consequences on your political career,” the book states, “as journalists and your political opponents will certainly use it against you.”
Allegations in October involved senior MEPS, including former ministers. One senior MEP, a married father, groped one young woman in a lift while whispering in her ear. Another masturbated in front of an employee.
Yves Cochet, a former French environment minister and Green party MEP, sent a text to the 25-year-old female assistant of another MEP. Mr Cochet, 71, said he wanted to share her “passions, dreams and fantasies”.