GENDERACTIONplus Position Paper 11: From commitment to action

The Council Conclusions on Strengthening the competitiveness of the EU, reinforcing the European Research Area and overcoming its fragmentation (16179/24) of November 2024 reaffirm the EU’s commitment to enhancing long-term competitiveness, fostering prosperity, and strengthening global leadership through research and innovation (R&I). It envisions a European Research Area (ERA) with reduced fragmentation, enhanced inclusivity, and streamlined collaboration across Member States. These ambitions are commendable, but persistent challenges hinder their full realisation, particularly concerning gender equality. Gender equality is a cornerstone of an inclusive and cohesive R&I ecosystem, critical to unlocking Europe’s full talent potential and advancing socio-economic progress. Yet, GENDERACTIONplus findings reveal that systemic barriers to the implementation of gender equality policy remain prevalent across Member States, undermining the ERA’s ability to deliver on its objectives. Fragmentation in the implementation of ERA Action 5 on gender equality, coupled with insufficient coordination and weak national-level commitment, threatens the EU’s aspirations for a more unified and competitive R&I landscape. This policy brief draws on GENDERACTIONplus findings to propose strategies that address these challenges. By targeting gaps in national commitments, improving data collection, and ensuring coherent policy frameworks, the ERA can strengthen its capacity to advance gender equality, thereby realising its broader goals of inclusivity, excellence, and competitiveness.