High-level EU event launches Call for Evidence on new Gender Action Plan (GAP) IV

On 19 March 2026, the European Commission and the European External Action Service hosted a high-level hybrid event in Brussels to spotlight the external dimension of the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030 and kick-start work on the next EU Gender Action Plan (GAP IV) for 2028–2034, together with a renewed EU Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). A key outcome was the launch of a public Call for Evidence to inform the design of GAP IV, inviting broad input from partner countries, civil society, international organisations, EU institutions and Member States until 30 April 2026.

Around 300 participants joined the event, which underscored the EU’s determination to defend and advance gender equality and women’s rights in an increasingly challenging global environment. Speakers stressed that political commitments must be backed by predictable and flexible funding, and that women’s rights organisations and women peacebuilders should be recognised and supported as essential partners and first responders.

Discussions focused on how the Global Gateway investment strategy can be leveraged to advance gender equality through gender-responsive infrastructure and digital investments, and how a strengthened WPS agenda can boost women’s participation, protection and leadership in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. 

A new Team Europe Initiative to promote women’s leadership in the public ICT sector was launched by the European Union (EU) and its Member States during the event. The Team Europe Initiative aims to empower women leaders in public ICT to shape gender-inclusive digital policies, serve as role models for younger generations, and strengthen the inclusion of women in digital transformation. A forthcoming WPS-focused project supporting women’s rights organisations and women peacebuilders in several conflict-affected countries was also highlighted, illustrating the EU's steady commitment to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.