From principles to decisions: equality in result-based funding instruments for the next EU programming period
Why equality in EU funding instruments matters
Equality is written into almost every EU funding programme. Yet, while formal commitments exist, a significant gap remains between these high-level principles and their operational implementation on the ground. Recent research mapping 38 funding instruments across nine case studies revealed weak enforcement of equality conditionalities and a lack of systematic documentation regarding why these mechanisms fail.
Managing authorities, cities, and local governments have a critical opportunity to reshape how European funds are allocated. By moving from paper commitments to enforceable, result-based funding criteria, we can ensure EU funds drive true social inclusion, tackle spatial segregation, and address the multi-dimensional needs of diverse urban communities.
Why join this online session?
Unlike a traditional presentation, this 60–90 minute event is an active, live working session designed to provide participants with the opportunity to:
- Review preliminary insights from the partnership’s recent EU-wide survey and desk research mapping exercises
- Address why current formal equality criteria fail to influence actual funding decisions
- Directly contribute to a practical guidebook intended for managing authorities and cities to ensure usable, daily application of equality criteria
- Collaborate with European peers, policy designers, and funding experts
Session agenda and topics
The session will prioritise live, open discussion structured around a brief introduction and three core questions:
- Introduction (15 mins): Framing the context with insights from Cities of Equality Partnership
- Interactive Discussion Topics:
- Does equality change which projects get funded, or does it remain largely on paper?
- What should we build, and for whom?
- What would make these instruments genuinely usable in daily work?
- Next Steps: Previewing the validation and integration of these findings into the upcoming practical guidebook
About the Cities of Equality Partnership
Launched in 2024 as part of the Urban Agenda for the EU, the Cities of Equality Partnership aims to bring about better regulation, funding and knowledge for urban equality by working at the intersection of inclusive urban planning and social inclusion. Action n.2, Mainstreaming equality in result-based funding instruments, is led by the Metropolitan City of Rome and CEMR.
For more information about the Cities of Equality Partnership, please visit the dedicated webpage on the Urban Agenda for the EU website.