Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has recently issued a policy brief addressing specific recommendations on the gender mainstreaming of EU Regulations that will define the objectives for EU external financing. More specifically, on mainstreaming the new upcoming objectives of The Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III). 

This brief was endorsed by 190 organizations throughout the Western Balkans. KWN, together with these WCSOs, has expressed its profound conviction that several opportunities exist for integrating an improved gender perspective within these regulations. This could contribute to furthering the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, as well as gender equality in the WB region and beyond. 

KWN has accepted significant input from EU officials, who consider this brief accurate and timely. 

IPA II is the main financial instrument in providing EU support to beneficiary countries. The IPA II regulation came into force on 16 March 2014 and is only applicable until the end of 2020. The IPA II regulation is complemented by the Common Implementing Regulation (CIR), which is a set of simplified and harmonized implementing rules and procedures for all external action instruments. Some of the CIR dispositions regarding financing of Western Balkans will be regulated through the Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument. This analysis also recommends incorporating a gender mainstreaming of NDICI regulation.  

The policy brief has been written by the KWN (151 member organizations) and endorsed by the:  

• Albanian Women Empowerment Network – Albania (8 members) 
• Foundation United Women – Bosnia and Herzegovina 
• National Network to End Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence – North Macedonia (19 members) 

• Reactor Research in Action – North Macedonia 
• The Association of Women Sandglass – Serbia 
• “Vatra” – Psycho-Social Centre – Albania  
• Women’s Rights Centre – Montenegro