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Cyprus stands out as one of only three European Union (EU) member states currently lacking a gender budgeting framework, alongside Estonia and Lithuania, according to a recent report by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). Recent studies indicate that while Cyprus is discussing the integration of gender budgeting into its national budget, substantial progress is still needed.
Gender budgeting, which aims to incorporate gender equality into budget preparation and financial control, has become a modern necessity, particularly in rapidly evolving economies. The Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies has developed a guide to assist in this integration, promoted by the Office of the Commissioner for Gender Equality in Cyprus. This initiative includes training programs designed to foster a mindset of equality among public officials involved in budget decision-making.
In Estonia and Lithuania, discussions are ongoing to introduce gender budgeting. Estonia is working towards a gender-sensitive budgeting approach, while Lithuania approved an implementation plan in March 2021 to analyze the incorporation of gender dimensions into its budget.
Across the EU, 12 countries have successfully integrated gender budgeting into their national budgets, including Austria, France, and Spain, each reporting increased transparency and accountability in government gender-related goals. Conversely, nine EU countries, including Bulgaria and Germany, have not adopted gender budgeting and lack plans for its implementation.
With information from Stockwatch.
