A progressive society cannot exist without gender equality. Therefore, women's rights movements and social democratic political forces have to continue to work closely together - said Hungarian socialist MEP Zita Gurmai in her opening speech at a conference in Copenhagen organised by the Workers' Museum and The Labour Movement's Library and Archives on the 100th anniversary of the International Women's Day. 

'Although there are some disputes between us, I think there will be an excellent cooperation between the Belgian Presidency and the European Parliament on the Citizens' Initiative and on other legislative issues as well,' said Member of the European Parliament, Zita Gurmai, after her informal meeting with the new Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Belgian Presidency was represented by Olivier Chastel, Secretary of State responsible for European Affairs. 

The Constituional Affairs Committee of the European Parliament hold a debate on the European Citizens' Initiative on Moday. On the session, which attracted considerable attention, co-rapporteur of the report Zita Gurmai presented a working document jointly prepared by fellow MEP Alain Lamassoure and herself. 

'I am pleased that gender issues are emphasised in the programme of the Belgian Presidency, but it would have been necessary to mention the European Protection Order, too,' highlighted in her written contribution MEP Zita Gurmai.