The report assesses whether the European Commission’s 2018 Country Reports for Western Balkan countries adequately integrate gender perspectives. It finds that gender issues are addressed unevenly and mostly limited to fundamental rights and employment sections, while many policy areas remain gender-blind.
The report highlights insufficient gender-disaggregated data, limited attention to women’s organisations, peacebuilding roles, and intersecting forms of discrimination affecting groups such as Roma women and refugees. It recommends more systematic gender analysis to ensure EU accession processes effectively promote gender equality and women’s participation.