High-Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming: Advancing Gender Equality

Article

On 16 February 2026, a meeting of the High-Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming was held at the “Filoxenia” Conference Centre in Lefkosia, bringing together senior officials from all 27 member states of the European Union (EU). Representatives of the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Institute for Gender Equality also took part. The meeting was organised in the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The High-Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming is an EU body, chaired by the European Commission. It brings together national officials responsible for gender mainstreaming, who meet regularly to coordinate work on the Union’s gender equality agenda. The group supports the Council’s Trio Presidencies in setting priorities in the domain of gender equality and serves as the main forum for the strategic follow-up to the Beijing Platform for Action.

Prior to the formal opening of the meeting, bilateral contacts took place between the Cypriot delegation and the European Commission. A trio meeting followed, involving Denmark and Ireland, with the participation of representatives of the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Institute for Gender Equality. Discussions focused on the next steps and objectives of the Group in light of both past initiatives and forthcoming actions.

The formal meeting of the Group provided the opportunity to present the priorities of the Presidency Trio – Denmark, from which Cyprus assumed the Presidency of the Council of the EU, Cyprus and Ireland, which will hold the Presidency in the second half of 2026. Representatives from the 27 member states exchanged views and discussed the latest developments at European level.

Particular attention was given to the progress achieved across the EU in transposing the key Directives:

  • Directive (EU) 2023/970 on strengthening the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women, through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms;
  • Directive (EU) 2022/2381 on improving the gender balance among directors of listed companies and related measures;
  • Directive (EU) 2024/1385 on combating violence against women and domestic violence.

Discussions also addressed ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and women’s rights at global level.

During the proceedings of the meeting of 16 February, the programme of the Cyprus Presidency in the domain of gender equality was presented in detail. Gender equality has been placed at the core of the Cyprus Presidency’s priorities, with the aim of promoting a coherent, ambitious and actionable agenda. This agenda is fully aligned with the vision of the Cyprus Presidency – a Presidency that serves with pride and a strong sense of responsibility, firmly believing in the power of European unity and strategic autonomy, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

The Cyprus Presidency aims to strengthen the protection and rights of women and girls from all forms of gender-based violence, while promoting substantive equality at every level of social, economic and political life.

Family photo of the High-Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming

During the meeting, a pan-European study, entitled “From Lived Reality to Policy Making: Tackling Online Violence against Girls in the EU”, was also presented. The study, conducted in cooperation with the European Institute for Gender Equality for the purposes of the Cyprus Presidency, was carried out in ten EU member states, including Cyprus.

The research provides a comprehensive mapping of the phenomenon of gender-based online violence against girls aged 13–18. It highlights the various forms and consequences of such violence, the experiences of adolescents and the existing legal frameworks across member states. It also puts forward concrete proposals for prevention, education and strengthening the accountability of digital platforms.

A shared commitment to a just and inclusive Europe

The High-Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming performs an essential role in advancing gender equality and works tirelessly to strengthen and further safeguard the rights of women and girls, both in Europe and internationally. Its role is pivotal not only for integrating the gender perspective into EU policies, but also for shaping strategies, policies and measures that effectively and meaningfully respond to the needs of EU citizens.

As noted in the address of the Minister of Justice and Public Order of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Costas Fitiris, delivered on his behalf by the Commissioner for Gender Equality of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Josie Christodoulou, the meeting took place at a critical juncture for advancing European gender equality policies. The dedication, steadfast support and commitment of the member states demonstrate not only a shared objective, but also a common determination to build a Europe that is more just, more inclusive and more resilient in the face of current challenges.

The High-Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming will continue its work and conclude on 17 February 2026.

Photos

See photos from the event on the Cyprus Presidency's Flickr account.