The rise of the anti-gender movement, combined with the shrinking pool of funding for gender equality, poses a serious threat to the hard-won rights already in place. The anti-gender movement brings together individuals and groups who oppose equality and promote the myth that ‘gender’ is an “ideology”. This movement brings together a diverse array of individuals and groups that collaborate transnationally. Tactically, this movement relies on disinformation to influence national and EU policies to reverse progress and undermine reproductive rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, sexuality education, and legislation combatting gender-based violence. Since the 1990s, this movement has grown in influence and financing while pushing their anti-rights agendas.

Another challenge is democratic backsliding across Europe, with many countries witnessing gradual erosion in democratic institutions and civil liberties. Key indicators such as freedom of expression, rule of law, and the quality of elections have declined. Civic space is also shrinking, particularly for organisations that defend the rights of women, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people, due to restrictive legislation, dwindling financial resources, and smear campaigns. Grassroots feminist, women-led, and trans-led organisations are finding it increasingly difficult to operate in this hostile environment.