Advocacy for a Feminist Foreign Policy in the EU Intensifies

As calls for a cohesive feminist foreign policy (FFP) resonate across Europe, advocates are emphasizing the necessity for the European Union to adopt an audacious and accountable framework. Despite Sweden leading the way by implementing FFP in 2014, the EU as a whole has yet to embrace this transformative approach, focusing instead on gender equality while sidelining the feminist perspective. The European Parliament has signaled its support for gender equality within foreign policy, but the lack of a comprehensive strategy remains a significant barrier.

Advocates Annika Bergman Rosamond and Jessica Cheung assert that the adoption of a feminist foreign policy must encompass an intersectional and decolonial approach. Engaging with civil society to confront existing power hierarchies is vital, as is addressing both historical and ongoing colonial injustices. They stress that a unified FFP cannot merely serve as a branding exercise; rather, it must challenge neoliberal feminist principles and existing power dynamics.

The desire for a feminist contract in the EU aims to foster solidarity among member states, enabling a transformation toward a more equitable global order. Challenges persist, including varying levels of enthusiasm for FFP among EU states and the risk that these policies may not extend beyond national branding. Advocates continue to push for a significant shift toward an authentic feminist foreign policy that can meaningfully affect EU external relations and influence global politics.