Story perspectives

EU Issues Non-Binding Conversion-Therapy Recommendation Amid Citizen Push

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The EU adopted a non-binding recommendation instead of an EU-wide ban on conversion therapy.
Ursula von der Leyen announced the recommendation at a Brussels College of Commissioners meeting.
Eight member states—Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Malta, Spain and Portugal—already have national bans with varying penalties.
A 2024 citizens’ initiative with over one million signatures prompted the Commission’s response, noting that a quarter of EU LGBTIQ+ people have faced conversion practices.

History

Historical Context

In 2015, Malta enacted the Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act, becoming the first EU member to ban conversion therapy. The law imposed fines up to €5,000 per violation and mandated counseling alternatives, reflecting a €5 million budget for enforcement in 2016. Today, the European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, issued a non-binding recommendation after a citizens’ initiative gathered over one million signatures, echoing Malta’s precedent across eight states including France and Germany. The EU’s coordinated approach may pressure remaining members, such as Cyprus and Greece, to adopt binding bans, reinforcing continent-wide protection for LGBTIQ+ citizens.

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Story summary

The EU adopted a non-binding recommendation instead of an EU-wide ban on conversion therapy.
Ursula von der Leyen announced the recommendation at a Brussels College of Commissioners meeting.
Eight member states—Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Malta, Spain and Portugal—already have national bans with varying penalties.
A 2024 citizens’ initiative with over one million signatures prompted the Commission’s response, noting that a quarter of EU LGBTIQ+ people have faced conversion practices.

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