Gender equality is a founding principle of the EU and a key element of the EU accession process. Yet, despite its relevance across political, economic and social reforms, it is often treated as a secondary issue.
The eighth Kvinna till Kvinna Gender Analysis of the European Commission’s 2025 Country Reports for EU Accession Countries—now also covering Moldova and Ukraine—shows modest progress in gender mainstreaming, while highlighting that gender equality remains largely confined to the fundamental rights and social policy chapters.