Women, Peace and Security EU Institutional Structure

01 June 2025

Gender equality in EU external action: Mapping of policies and actors

Reports, articles, briefs Public 2025 European Peacebuilding Liaison Office

This background paper maps and links the policies, personnel functions, and institutions in the EU that work with gender equality in external action, and concludes with analysis of recent structural changes. It provides a useful overview for how gender equality is systematically integrated into external action, including civilian CSDP.

This background paper provides an overview of policies, actors, functions and procedures relating to gender equality in the European Union’s (EU) external action. The Roadmap for Women’s Rights sets the newest impetus of the EU to drive the gender equality agenda forward. The Gender Action Plan III (GAP III) is the main EU policy framework to achieve the full integration of gender and diversity. Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) is a key thematic area of GAP III. Links to these and all other gender equality policies and procedures relevant for civilian CSDP are provided.

The paper concludes that in the last two decades, the EU has made progress in institutionalising gender equality in its external action, particularly through the above mentioned policy frameworks and the deployment of gender advisors across missions and gender focal points in delegations. However, recent institutional restructuring and growing emphasis on economic competitiveness and security have weakened some of these achievements. Political commitment fluctuates in the face of rising global backlash against gender equality and increasing securitisation of foreign policy. The extension of the WPS Action Plan and GAP III to 2027, including the ongoing evaluations are critical moments to push for more ambitious, context-sensitive, and accountable EU action linking gender, peace, and security. Sustained advocacy and partnerships remain key to ensuring that EU commitments translate into positive outcomes in conflict-affected partner countries.

Reference: European Peacebuilding Liaison Office. (2025). Gender equality in EU external action: Mapping of policies and actors.

Resource

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