European Economic
and Social Committee
EESC PLENARY: Interview with Juliane Marie Neiiendam on the proposed Gender equality strategy 2026-2030
We spoke with the rapporteur for the EESC opinion SOC/866 on the 'Gender equality strategy 2026-2030'.
What are the main findings of this opinion?
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) strongly welcomes the new Gender Equality Strategy, particularly at a time when women’s rights and equality face an increasing backlash. But our central message is that ambition must translate into measurable progress.
I would highlight three findings.
First, implementation and accountability are crucial, with clear benchmarks, effective monitoring and stronger links between gender equality objectives, EU policies and funding.
Second, gender equality must be addressed throughout people’s lives and across all policy areas, with an intersectional approach. Gender stereotypes can shape children from an early age, influencing education, career choices and later opportunities. That is why we highlight the role of teachers and education systems in challenging stereotypes and discrimination.
Third, gender equality benefits society as a whole. Women’s full participation in economic, political and public life strengthens Europe’s democracy, resilience and competitiveness. Equality is both a fundamental right and an investment in Europe’s future. At a time of demographic change and labour shortages, Europe cannot afford to leave talent untapped.
What sets this strategy apart from the previous one? How can Europe better ensure that its ambitions are translated into concrete action this time?
The previous strategy established an important framework, but implementation was uneven. The new strategy must move from ambition to measurable results, linking gender equality more closely to EU policy instruments, including the multiannual financial framework.
Europe already has strong commitments. The challenge is delivery. We call for measurable targets, for effective monitoring, for full implementation of existing legislation and for gender equality to be integrated across EU policies and funding programmes. Requirements must remain proportionate, particularly for SMEs.
Civil society and social partners also play an important role in identifying where policies work and where barriers remain.
By 2030, success should not be measured by what Europe promised, but by what actually changed in people’s lives.
What have you done and will you do to promote this EESC opinion?
For me, adoption is not the end of an opinion; it is where the follow-up begins.
As Vice-President of the EESC Group on Equality, I am promoting its recommendations through dialogue with the EU institutions, social partners, businesses and civil society and working to bring them into relevant discussions during the current Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Lithuanian Presidency in 2027.
I have already discussed the strategy with young feminists from across Europe through the European Women’s Lobby’s AGORA Summer Camp and shared its messages during the debate at Denmark’s Talk Town, where gender equality and barriers to inclusive entrepreneurship were discussed.
Internationally, as co-rapporteur for the EESC’s upcoming resolution on the 71st session of the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW71), I am connecting our European priorities with the global discussion on women’s rights and economic empowerment.
Legislation and strategies matter, but lasting progress happens when institutions, workplaces and citizens turn them into reality. Gender equality concerns everyone – and achieving it requires everyone.
The EESC opinion on the 'Gender equality strategy 2026-2030' was presented and adopted at the EESC plenary session in July 2026. Read it at: https://link.europa.eu/j6RM88
Juliane Marie NEIIENDAM (Denmark)
Rapporteur, SOC/866 Gender equality strategy 2026-2030
Vice-President, EESC Civil Society Organisations' Group
Member of the Board, Women's Council in Denmark
President, VIRKSOMME kvinder (Female SMEs)
Regional chair, Danish Society of Engineers (IDA) Copenhagen