Coordinated Advocacy to Strengthen the EU Midwifery Directive

Over the past weeks, ICM and member associations (MAs) from Europe have been working together to advocate for a stronger European Union (EU) Directive for midwifery education and better recognition of midwifery qualifications across countries. 

The Directive 2005/36/EC sets the minimum professional qualifications for midwives in the EU and European Economic Area (EEA). This Directive is currently undergoing a revision, which presents a crucial opportunity for strengthening the profession. The sections under review have not been substantially updated in over 40 years, which means it does not align with recent scientific developments. Since the Directive sets the minimum education requirements that allow midwives to be recognised across borders, ensuring that it reflects the most recent competencies and evidence, and aligns with ICM’s Global Standards is essential. Getting this right will support midwives to move and work across Europe and improve the quality of care for women and newborns.  

Draft Text Circulating at National Level 

Recently, a draft of the Directive has been shared to EU/EEA Member States for feedback. Some governments have shared this draft with ICM’s MAs, as well as with education and regulatory bodies, and asked for comments within short timelines. 

The current draft appears to include limited and cosmetic changes, instead of fully aligning with ICM’s Global Standards or the latest evidence on competencies and scope of practice. 

In response, ICM, the European Forum for National Nursing and Midwifery Associations (EFNNMA) and our MAs are working together to provide coordinated feedback as soon as possible. 

Speaking With One Voice 

Across Europe, MAs are taking the lead and engaging with their national governments to ensure the midwifery voice is heard. They are reaching out to their governments and sharing ICM’s Policy Position Paper and the Joint Suggested Text for the Directive update, endorsed by ICM and EFNNMA. 

This united effort ensures our collective voice reaches those shaping national responses.  

Strengthening National Engagement 

Engagement is happening at different levels. MAs are working on identifying and connecting with the experts who represent their country in EU-level discussions on this Directive. 

Additionally, in mid-February, MAs came together in an engaging coordination meeting. They shared updates from their different countries, flagged new developments in national consultations. The meeting helped delineating the next steps in this joint advocacy work.  

A Collective Effort 

Updating a Directive might sound like a technical process, but the outcome has an impact in the daily lives of midwives in Europe. It shapes education standards, how qualifications are recognised, the ability of midwives to work across borders, and the quality of care for women and newborns. 

Through this coordinated effort, we are working to ensure the final Directive is grounded in evidence and reflects the most recent midwifery practice. 

We would like to acknowledge other European midwives’ organisations for their positive collaboration and dedication to speaking in one voice; we also call on MAs across Europe to engage with their governments and relevant ministries during this consultation phase. By sharing the Policy Position Paper, the Joint Suggested Text and engaging with the national representatives in the EU Commission, we can help shape the national feedback that governments submit to the Commission.