{"id":21113,"date":"2026-05-06T14:25:22","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T12:25:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gbwn.net\/?p=21113"},"modified":"2026-05-06T14:25:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T12:25:22","slug":"strength-in-networks-gbwn-advocates-for-gender-responsive-eu-budgeting-at-include-strategic-hub","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gbwn.net\/en\/strength-in-networks-gbwn-advocates-for-gender-responsive-eu-budgeting-at-include-strategic-hub\/","title":{"rendered":"Strength in Networks: GBWN Advocates for Gender-Responsive EU Budgeting at INCLUDE Strategic Hub"},"content":{"rendered":"

On 5 May 2026, the Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN) brought its expertise into a key European policy space through participation in the INCLUDE Strategic Gender Budgeting Hub meeting. This was the 3rd session of the Smart Venice Thematic Hub on Strategic Gender Budgeting,\u00a0titled \u201cGender Responsive Budgeting in Research Funding Organizations<\/em>“, as part of\u00a0Horizon Europe INCLUDE\u00a0<\/a>project. This session marked the final meeting of the Thematic Hub dedicated to Strategic Gender Budgeting.<\/p>\n

Representing GBWN, Nicole Farnsworth from the Kosovo Women\u2019s Network joined leading experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss how gender-responsive budgeting can be strengthened within research funding and broader public finance frameworks.<\/p>\n

This engagement highlights the growing role of civil society networks in shaping high-level policy debates as well as the importance of ensuring that gender equality remains at the core of future European investments.<\/p>\n

Risks in the Next EU Budget<\/h3>\n

During the session, Nicole\u00a0 presented critical insights on gender budgeting in the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028\u20132034<\/strong>. While the proposed budget reaches nearly \u20ac2 trillion and introduces new priorities and flexibility, it also raises serious concerns from a gender equality perspective. There is a\u00a0worrying trend: gender equality is at risk of being sidelined.<\/strong> The current proposal weakens commitments by removing strong provisions for gender mainstreaming, lacks dedicated funding for gender equality, and limits its integration across key programmes. Instead of shaping funding priorities, gender considerations risk being reduced to a reporting exercise, which is undermining their transformative potential.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, monitoring systems remain insufficient, with limited indicators that fail to capture real progress on gender equality. Without stronger commitments, there is a high risk that gender-responsive budgeting becomes symbolic rather than impactful.<\/p>\n

In response, GBWN calls for concrete improvements to ensure that the next EU budget truly delivers for all:<\/p>\n