Policy context and previous work 

European Research Area Policy Agenda 

 

The European Research Area Policy Agenda sets out shared priorities and actions for strengthening research and innovation systems in Europe. Gender equality and inclusiveness have been part of this work across both the 2022–2024 and 2025–2027 policy agendas. 

 

In the ERA Policy Agenda 2022–2024, gender equality was addressed through Action 5: Promote gender equality and foster inclusiveness, which supported inclusive Gender Equality Plans, gender-based violence work, gender mainstreaming and the development of the ERA Forum Sub-group on Inclusive Gender Equality. 

 

In the ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027, inclusive gender equality is taken forward as the structural policy “Strengthening gender equality and inclusiveness in the ERA, notably with an intersectional approach.” The Council Recommendation identifies priority areas including inclusive Gender Equality Plans, the gender dimension in research and innovation content, ending gender-based violence, gender budgeting, and stronger policy coordination among Member States, Associated Countries and stakeholders. 

 

Further information on ERA policy developments and implementation is also available through the Austrian ERA Portal, which brings together news, documents and resources relating to the European Research Area. Explore the ERA Structural Policies 2025–2027 for further information on the current policy framework. 

 

 

European Commission and the ERA Forum Sub-group on Inclusive Gender Equality 

 

The European Commission supports gender equality in research and innovation through Horizon Europe, the European Research Area and dedicated policy coordination with Member States, Associated Countries and stakeholders. Its gender equality in research and innovation page provides the main entry point to EU policy developments, Horizon Europe provisions, reports, projects and news in this area. 

 

The ERA Forum Sub-group on Inclusive Gender Equality brings together representatives of Member States, Associated Countries and stakeholder organisations. It supports implementation of ERA work on inclusive gender equality and has contributed to policy outputs on issues such as gender-based violence, inclusive gender analysis in research and innovation content, and the future of gender equality in EU research and innovation policy.  

 

GENDERACTIONplus2027 works in close cooperation with the ERA Forum Sub-group, including through co-creation, consultation, monitoring and uptake of project outputs. 

 

ERA Forum Sub-group on Inclusive Gender Equality Resources 

• Zero-tolerance CoC 

• Advancing inclusive gender equality: A vision for Framework Programme 10  

• Position paper on The Gender Dimension in R&I Content 

• Position Paper: Standing Firm on Inclusive Gender Equality and Academic Freedom 

 

 

Council of the European Union 

 

The Council of the European Union has played an important role in setting the policy direction for gender equality and inclusiveness in the European Research Area. 

 

In 2015, the Council adopted conclusions on Advancing gender equality in the European Research Area, calling for sustainable cultural and institutional change and stronger action on gender equality in research and innovation. 

 

The Ljubljana Declaration on Gender Equality in Research and Innovation, adopted during the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2021, reinforced European commitments to institutional change, gender mainstreaming, intersectionality, monitoring, and the integration of the gender dimension into research and innovation content.  

 

In 2021, the Council Recommendation on a Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe reaffirmed gender equality, equal opportunities and inclusiveness as part of the common values and principles for research and innovation in Europe. 

 

In 2025, the Council adopted the Recommendation on the ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027, which includes the structural policy on strengthening gender equality and inclusiveness in the ERA with an intersectional approach. 

 

 

Wider EU equality framework: DG JUST and the Gender Equality Strategy 

 

Inclusive gender equality in research and innovation is also connected to the wider EU equality framework. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers leads work on the EU Gender Equality Strategy, which sets broader priorities for advancing gender equality across EU policy areas. 

 

The Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030, adopted by the European Commission on 5 March 2026, is part of the Union of Equality framework and sets out objectives and actions for a more gender-equal Europe.

 

 

Previous GENDERACTION work 

 

GENDERACTIONplus2027 builds on two previous EU-funded projects: GENDERACTION and GENDERACTIONplus. These projects helped strengthen gender equality policy coordination in the European Research Area and developed policy briefs, mutual learning formats, monitoring work and practical resources for national authorities, research funders and ERA stakeholders. 

 

GENDERACTIONplus2027 continues this work with a stronger focus on inclusive gender equality, intersectionality, capability building, monitoring and sustainable uptake beyond the project period.