The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue office in Brussels is commissioning a paper on gender mainstreaming and the multi-level governance structure of the Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) funding instruments, as part of our MFF publication series. Applications should be submitted by Wednesday 28 October 2026, 23:59 CET.
- Deliverable: Write a short paper analysing the governance structures of funding instruments under the 2028–2034 MFF and identifying where gender considerations can be integrated, even where the MFF framework does not explicitly require them. The paper may focus on a selection of funding instruments, provided it justifies why these instruments are particularly relevant for advancing gender equality.
- Audience: National and local governments, civil society and media, as well as multipliers in NGOs, think tanks, as well as anyone seeking to understand the opportunities for gender budgeting and gender tracking.
- Format: One paper (2500 words maximum) following our editorial guidelines, including at least two charts or infographics that illustrate key findings; Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung EU will take care of graphic design and publication in its corporate design.
- Timeline: Please send your application (see details below) by Wednesday 28 October 2026, 23:59 CET; a final draft taking into account feedback from Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung EU is to be handed over by Friday 27 November 2026.
- Budget: Only offers of up to 2,000€ excl. VAT and excluding costs for layout, graphic design and proofreading, will be considered for this work.
Context of the publication
The MFF is not governed or implemented solely at EU level. It operates through a multi-level governance system in which the EU institutions, Member States, regional and local authorities, civil society and other stakeholders have different roles.
The EU has committed to achieving gender equality and advancing women’s rights through the treaties and has published the newest Gender Equality Strategy in March of this year. The 2028-2034 Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) is currently being negotiated, and for instance, gender mainstreaming is not currently among the explicit requirements for National and Regional Partnership Plans. The proposal does not include earmarked funding for gender equality, nor a comprehensive gender mainstreaming approach with clear objectives, expenditure tracking and impact assessments..
At each level of governance, there are different opportunities to influence how gender equality is reflected in funding decisions and, ultimately, what gets funded. Depending on their respective mandates and responsibilities, Member States, managing and coordination authorities, regional and local authorities, Monitoring Committees, equality bodies and civil society can help integrate gender considerations into funding priorities, implementation and oversight.
Aim of the publication
Against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations on the EU’s 2028–2034 Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF), Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung EU plans to commission an analysis of key funding instruments and the opportunities they offer to advance gender equality through gender budgeting and gender tracking. The publication will examine how gender considerations can be integrated into funding priorities, allocation decisions, implementation and monitoring, including where the MFF framework does not explicitly require gender mainstreaming.
Despite the EU’s commitments to gender equality and women’s rights, these priorities are not consistently reflected in the proposed budget architecture. Understanding where and how gender equality can be embedded in the MFF is essential to ensuring that EU spending helps reduce gender inequalities. The publication will map the roles and opportunities of public authorities, equality bodies, civil society and other stakeholders, helping readers understand how they can contribute to a more gender-responsive EU budget.
The paper will form part of a series of publications. Previous publications can be found here.
Key elements of the paper
- Illustrate what decisions are made at each level, what gender considerations can be included, and what formal requirements and political considerations constrain them.
- Elaborate on the opportunity that member states have through the design of the National and Regional Partnership Plans.
- Make a strong case that downstream actors may have opportunities, but those opportunities exist within a framework where gender equality is not always a binding objective.
How to apply for this call
The ideal applicant to this call for authors has a proven track record in the field of gender budgeting and EU governance. Please submit by Wednesday 28 October 2026, 23:59 CET, in one single PDF document to Louise Mollenhauer (Louise.Mollenhauer [at] eu.boell.org) with Laura Navarro Preuß (Laura.NavarroPreuss [at] eu.boell.org) in cc:
- A budget proposal based on daily rates, excluding layout and proofreading
- Mention the actors you plan to consider and briefly explain methodologies for understanding opportunities and constraints, if relevant
- The CVs of the (main) author(s)
- Potential references (previous relevant projects and publications)
