Samenvatting

This dissertation is focussed on the effects of two innovative budgetary approaches to the budgetary process of the
European Union, more specifically on the impact of these approaches on gender mainstreaming. The central
question aimed to be answered by this research is: How can gender responsive budgeting and participatory
budgeting complement each other in order to increase the impact of gender mainstreaming in the European Union?
As gender mainstreaming has been recognised by the European Union as a way in which the concept of gender
equality can be actively promoted, it provides great opportunities for further implementation of the concept. The
opportunity for gender mainstreaming to be implemented in the budgetary process of the European Union, is
examined in this research. By means of a quantitative approach and the gathering of secondary data, research has
been conducted in order to answer the central question. This dissertation has explored the definitions of European
institutions and academics on the concept and implications of gender mainstreaming. Thereafter, this research has
found that a budgeting approach based on performance and effectiveness has the best potential for the integration of
an equality perspective.
Furthermore, the literature review has elaborately reported on both concepts of gender responsive budgeting (GRB)
and participatory budgeting (PB). Firstly, it has explained that gender responsive budgeting is a budgetary approach
that aims to include a gender perspective and the promotion of gender equality in the budgetary processes. The
research has shown that there are various tools available that can be used during multiple stages of the EU budgetary
cycle. Secondly, the concept of participatory budgeting has been explained. This budgetary approach is designed to
obtain higher levels of transparency and legitimacy of the governmental budgetary procedures and decisions.
Moreover, this research has indicated that participatory tools can be used in multiple stages of the budgetary process
and have the potential to enhance levels of representation by including and promoting the voice of the traditionally
underrepresented gender. The analysis has revealed that GRB and PB shows similarities in their approaches.
Subsequently, the research examined three potential collaborations and their influence on gender mainstreaming in
the European Union. Potential collaborations that allow for the enhancement of gender mainstreaming may be found
in applying elements of both budgetary approaches in the drafting stage of the EU budgetary cycle, in order to
ensure a gender sensitive outcome that is in line with the needs of the recipients of the budget. Finally, the joint
integration on the European level may allow for an increase in the actors involved in the budgetary process and
thereby, limit the power of the policy making elites. This research has recognised that this can have a positive effect
on the integrationist approach of gender mainstreaming by the European Union. The conclusion of this research
recommends that further research is necessary in order to obtain a complete view of the possibilities to integrate
GRB and PB into the EU budgetary processes.