Energy transition for whom? Gender dimensions in the European Union recovery and resilience plans

While the European Union has made strong commitments to a just and inclusive energy transition, the gender-energy nexus remains insufficiently addressed within existing policy frameworks. This study applies the NRRPs Gender-Energy Nexus Assessment Framework to assess the extent to which gender considerations are integrated into the energy transition measures outlined in EU Member States' National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs). The analysis is structured around three key dimensions: Recognitional Energy Justice, Distributive Energy Justice, and Procedural Energy Justice. Findings indicate that the majority of NRRPs lack gender-specific measures, particularly in areas such as energy poverty alleviation, consumer support, and inclusive decision-making processes. While some plans include initiatives to enhance women's participation in STEM education and the energy workforce, the limited use of gender-disaggregated data significantly hampers the development of targeted policy responses. A few countries, including Spain, Austria, and Croatia, exhibit relatively stronger commitments to gender mainstreaming in their energy strategies. In contrast, others—such as Germany, France, and Poland—show minimal to no integration of gender considerations. These shortcomings appear to stem from structural barriers, including limited gender expertise in policy design, persistent sectoral gender segregation, and weak advocacy for gender-inclusive energy policies. The study highlights the urgent need for systematic collection and use of gender-disaggregated data, the strengthening of procedural justice mechanisms, and the allocation of dedicated funding to support gender-responsive approaches. Addressing these gaps is essential to achieving a truly inclusive and equitable energy transition across the EU.