On Wednesday afternoon, 11 March 2026, a conference held at the European Parliament brought together policymakers, civil society representatives, and experts to discuss the implications of the recent decision of the European Commission concerning the My Voice, My Choice (MVMC) initiative and its impact on European values and funding mechanisms.
The event gathered MEPs from three political parties, representing more than half of the European Parliament. It was opened by Paolo Inselvini (ECR) and Margarita de la Pisa (PfE), who emphasized that in today’s EU there is a pressing need to defend the real values of the Union: the protection of life and the safeguarding of the most vulnerable.
Among the speakers was Ségolène du Closel, director of the ONE OF US European Federation, who addressed participants on the importance of safeguarding both freedom and life in European policymaking, and rejecting the injunction to choose between life and freedom the promoters of abortion activists try to impose.
The event featured interventions from eight MEPs representing three political groups, with several other MEPs present in the room. EPP MEP Matej Tonin recalled that the MVMC demands were rejected by the European Commission, including requests for new EU mechanisms and new funding for abortion, and highlighted attempts by the Commission to manipulate public perception through ESF allocations and PR stunts.
This was confirmed by the legal expert Nicoals Bauer from the European Center for Law and Justice who stated that the EU Commission has made an abuse of power by allocating the European Social Fund (ESF+) money to abortion services.
Other MEPs noted with concern that while the Commission’s response was not a clear victory for MVMC, there is a worrying rise of pro-abortion and destructive ideology within EU institutions. Miriam Lexmann, from Slovakia, stated, “Ideology will never last forever.”
This perspective was reinforced by Ségolène du Closel, who explained how MVMC and pro-abortion actors employ lies, threats, anti-democratic tools, and intimidation to influence the public—and unfortunately, some Commissioners. Her remarks were supported by Bert-Jan Ruissen and Jadwiga Wiśniewska, who warned against the Commission succumbing to pressure and misusing the ESF+ to fund abortion services outside the EU’s competence.
Grégoire François-Dainville, director of Jérôme Lejeune Foundation, warned that opening the ESF for abortion endangers people with Down syndrome, as funds intended to support them could instead be used to eliminate them before birth. From Italy, Maria Rachele Ruiu reaffirmed the commitment to continue defending maternity support and stated, “All attempts to silence us will not work, as we have the cause on our side.”
MEP Paulius Saudargas from EPP concluded that the fight to protect fragile life is fundamental, emphasizing that the Commission has an obligation to respond to MVMC ECI, but always within the framework of EU treaties. He highlighted that Europe is built not only on shared values but also on respecting the diversity of Member States, and that EU institutions should not overstep where they lack competence. The EU does have the competence to support maternity, assist women facing difficult pregnancies, and protect children.
The conference concluded with a clear call for EU institutions and policymakers to ensure that European funding mechanisms remain aligned with human dignity, ethical principles, and respect for the competence of Member States. The right working of Democracy.
