Svavolya I. Conceptual principles and institutional mechanisms for gender policy implementation in the European Union

Within the framework of this thesis paper, the key components of the institutional model of gender equality regulation at the EU level were identified and thoroughly studied: institutions that directly regulate gender relations at the supranational level (; institutions that are responsible for gender equality policy implementation at the level of the EU member states and institutional innovations (connections) based on the values of gender equality; as well as, established links between the main institutions involved in the process of gender equality regulations. It is proved that special measures, initiated by the EU institutional mechanisms, serves as a basis for different institutional links. It is highlighted that special measures in combination with gender mainstreaming form a wellknown European “dual approach” to equal rights and opportunities for all EU citizens. As a result, the institutional mechanisms for implementing gender policy have been clarified, and a unique comprehensive institutional model for regulating gender relations has been developed and tested on the examples of the EU and Ukraine. At the state level the following elements were identified as core parts of the institutional model: institutes of politics (public authorities), economy, family, culture; while at the level of advisory institutions: institutes of education and science (research institutions, universities), statistical collection institutes, non-governmental organizations and the relationship between them.