Launch of the EU-CIS Gender Watch reports

Brussels, 24/06/08: On Tuesday 24 June, the Polish Network of East-West Women (NEWW-Polska) launched a set of reports on gender equality in the European Commission's policies and in the ODA of new Member States.

The launch included a press conference and a roundtable meeting facilitated by EEPA and Eurostep. Speakers expressed deep concern about the situation of women in Eastern Europe.

“Although gender equality is a fundamental principle of the European Union enshrined in the EC Treaty, Europe does not live up to its own standards and values”, said Zofia Lapniewska from NEWW-Polska, who has coordinated the reports. "Neither the New Member States, having been scrutinized in this report, nor the EU assistance within the framework of ENP forcefully address discrimination against women."

The European Commission, represented by officials from the EuropeAid Cooperation Office and DG External Relations, representatives from the European Parliament and the Czech Permanent Representation to the EU, were also present at the roundtable to respond to the findings of the reports.

• Click here to see the agenda
• Click here to read the press release
• Click here to read an IPS News article about the reports
• Click here to read the report on Armenia
• Click here to read the report on Georgia
• Click here to read the report on Ukraine
• Click here to read the report on Bulgaria
• Click here to read the report on Czech Republic
• Click here to read the report on Hungary

---