Formal Complaint Regarding EU Policies and Governance Biases Vs MEN & BOYS

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  • European Union
  • European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE)
  • European Commission
  • European Council
  • Human Rights Committee
  • European Commission – Athens

 Subject:  Formal Complaint Regarding EU Policies and Governance Biases Vs MEN & BOYS
Saturday 14th December 2024,
Dear Esteemed Representatives,
I am writing to formally express my deep concerns regarding several policies and practices within the European Union’s governance structures, as well as the actions of affiliated bodies, which appear to disproportionately neglect or undermine the interests and well-being of certain demographics of the European citizenry.

Gas and Price Policies Affecting Ordinary Citizens

The ongoing energy and pricing policies have severely impacted ordinary citizens across Europe, with disproportionate financial strain placed upon the most vulnerable populations. The lack of transparent communication and adequate measures to mitigate these impacts raises serious questions about the priorities and inclusivity of EU decision-making processes. Many citizens feel unheard and sidelined in discussions that profoundly affect their daily lives.

Health Policies and War

It is alarming that resources are continually allocated to the Ukraine conflict without clear, transparent, and democratically endorsed approval from the majority of European men and boys who are EU citizens. This lack of transparency undermines trust in EU institutions and raises significant questions about accountability and the prioritization of male welfare. Many EU men and boys face unique challenges such as rising living costs, energy crises, and deteriorating public health systems, yet substantial resources are directed towards a conflict without adequately addressing these domestic issues.

The staggering toll of approximately 2 million Ukrainian male soldiers who are killed, missing, or severely injured has been met with insufficient international attention and care. This oversight extends to the lack of comprehensive humanitarian initiatives to support injured soldiers, grieving families, and displaced individuals. EU policies should prioritize meaningful conflict resolution strategies and ensure that humanitarian principles are upheld. The absence of robust measures to facilitate dialogue, peacebuilding, and the provision of psychological and financial support to affected individuals reflects a profound failure to address the broader human costs of the war.

Furthermore, pressing health issues uniquely impacting men and boys remain overlooked. Prostate cancer remains a leading cause of male mortality, yet it receives a fraction of the funding and attention compared to other health concerns. Similarly, the EU’s neglect of male mental health has led to alarmingly high rates of suicide among men and boys. Suicide prevention initiatives lack the targeted focus needed to address the underlying societal, biological, and psychological factors uniquely affecting males.

Additionally, there is a pervasive environment of misandry and extreme hate against boys, who are often unfairly treated as problematic or inherently aggressive. This negative framing ignores biological factors of masculinity, which are not matters of personality but natural traits. Instead of addressing the social behaviors that contribute to biases against boys or combating harmful stereotypes, there is an absence of EU-led research or initiatives to promote understanding and equity. Notably, institutions like EIGE, FRA, and EU statistical bodies have failed to conduct formal studies on these critical issues, despite extensive international research and academic theses highlighting these challenges.

The focus on military funding has also overshadowed urgent domestic health crises affecting men and boys. Overburdened healthcare systems, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to struggle with underfunding and resource shortages. Men and boys face growing disparities in access to healthcare, including mental health services, preventive care, and treatment for chronic conditions. The diversion of funds to war efforts neglects these critical issues, leaving men and boys feeling abandoned and underrepresented.

Systemic Neglect of Men’s and Boys’ Issues

A pervasive issue within EU governance and affiliated bodies is the systemic neglect and apparent bias against issues concerning men and boys. This is evidenced by:

  • The absence of committees or organizations specifically dedicated to addressing male-centric challenges.
  • Formal responses from EU bodies and committees, including the EIGE, FEMM Committee, and others, which dismiss or minimize legitimate concerns related to men and boys.
  • The lack of policies and funding aimed at addressing issues such as male mental health, education gaps, suicide rates, homelessness, and workplace fatalities—areas where men disproportionately suffer.

Bias in Gender-Related Policies and Governance

While the Istanbul Convention rightly emphasized the need for women’s and girls’ empowerment, it has evolved into a framework that seemingly monopolizes resources and decision-making positions in favor of one gender. This monopolization excludes and undermines the participation and contributions of men and boys across the EU.

Further, rhetoric from high-ranking officials has often exhibited a concerning level of misandry, which perpetuates division and undermines the fundamental principles of equality and mutual respect. The absence of accountability mechanisms for such rhetoric exacerbates these issues, creating an environment where men and boys feel undervalued and excluded.

Human Rights Committee and Gender Bias

The Human Rights Committee itself appears to lack the necessary structural support and mandate to address the systemic exclusion of men’s issues. This undermines the credibility of the EU’s commitment to human rights as a universal principle. The absence of an equivalent entity to advocate for men and boys further highlights this gap.

Conclusion and Recommendations

I urge the EU and its affiliated bodies to:

  1. Establish dedicated committees or organizations to address the issues faced by men and boys, ensuring equitable allocation of resources and representation.
  2. Reassess and rectify biases in existing policies and governance structures to promote genuine gender equality.
  3. Develop transparent mechanisms to ensure citizen engagement and approval in critical decisions, including war funding and economic policies.
  4. Promote inclusive and respectful rhetoric from officials to foster unity and mutual respect among all demographics.
  5. Actively address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the Ukraine conflict, with focused support for affected soldiers and their families.
  6. Prioritize health policy reforms to address disparities and improve access to quality healthcare for all citizens, ensuring that public health is not sidelined by external military engagements.
  7. Increase accountability and transparency in resource allocation to rebuild trust and align EU policies with the needs and priorities of its citizens.

These actions are not merely recommendations but necessary steps to restore trust in EU institutions and ensure that the fundamental principles of equality, justice, and democracy are upheld.

I look forward to your timely response and the implementation of tangible actions to address these pressing issues.

Yours Sincerely,
A. Agisilaou

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