The Von der Leyen Commission has put gender equality back on the political agenda and has made significant efforts to move forward with the implementation of the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025. The European Commission has unblocked crucial legislation for gender equality and stepped up its fight against gender-based violence with the support of gender advocates in and outside the institutions. However, the question arises whether these efforts will be able to tip the scales for women in Europe as the Commission is operating in an increasingly challenging context with consistent Member State opposition, structural constraints and a succession of crises that are hampering progress. Two senior experts on gender and EU policy weigh in on the matter and scrutinize recent policy developments.

Miss. Greet Vermeylen, Policy Officer, European Commission DG for Justice and Consumers

Miss. Mary Collins, Senior Policy & Advocacy Coordinator European Women’s Lobby

Dr. Petra Debusscher, UGent - moderator