Gender mainstreaming and EU enlargement: swimming against the tide?

Despite a commitment by the European Union (EU) to integrate gender equality in all its activities, mainstreaming has been notably absent from policies towards Central and East European countries (CEEC) during the pre-accession period. The significance of the gender dimension in the context of enlargement is demonstrated, with some emphasis on the Polish case. Impediments to implementation of mainstreaming strategies within the EU are then examined. It is concluded that enlargement policy is illustrative of a conflict between ideas and interests which serves to inhibit institutionalization of mainstreaming principles and practices, not only in relation to enlargement but across EU policy areas and beyond.