The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) kicks off its work with the European Commission’s recently adopted five-year strategy for promoting equality between women and men in Europe. EIGE will start to actively implement the strategy by gathering key stakeholders in the implementation of the new gender equality strategy at the “Joining efforts towards Gender Equality in the European Union 2010–2015” seminar, set to take place in Vilnius, Lithuania, on November 22.

The seminar will feature European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the Chair of EIGE's Management Board Eva Maria Welskop-Deffaa, the representative of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the EU Michel Pasteel, EIGE Director Virginija Langbakk as well as important participants from other relevant EU agencies.

EIGE Director Virginija Langbakk expressed strong belief that the new EU Gender Equality strategy will truly make a difference, and the upcoming seminar will be a good starting point in its implementation. Virginija Langbakk says: Lots of work needs to be done over the upcoming five years, and only genuine synergy among all those implementing the strategy will define its success. As the nearing seminar will bring some of the most important strategy implementation participants, it is bound to trigger some major initiatives, improving overall gender equality in the EU.

The European Commission recently renewed its commitment to promoting gender equality by adopting a new gender equality strategy. The strategy spells out five priorities: the economy and labour market, equal pay, equality in senior positions, tackling gender violence, and promoting equality beyond the EU. It aims in particular to make better use of women's potential, thereby contributing to the EU's overall economic and social goals.

The seminar will provide a platform for discussion on the implementation of the new EU gender equality strategy and lay the groundwork for the significant steps to be taken by the Institute over the coming years. EIGE will also sign important cooperation agreements defining synergies in work with other EU agencies. Finally, the Institute will also unveil its official logo during the seminar.