Global Gateway: First Inequality Marker results released showcase the contribution of EU International Partnerships to tackling inequalities

The first Inequality Marker results show that, in 2023, 59% of all new projects funded from the International Partnerships budget had a substantial focus on reducing inequality. 

Looking at the results based on income categories, 77% of new projects in low-income countries had a substantial focus on reducing inequality, with inequality reduction being either a significant or the main objective. The percentage was 70% in lower-middle income countries and 69% in upper-middle income countries.

From a regional perspective, 76% of new projects in sub-Saharan Africa substantially contributed to inequality reduction. In Latin America and the Caribbean, 61% of projects targeted inequality reduction and in Asia and the Pacific, 59%.

Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen said: “I am pleased that the first results of the Inequality Marker showcase that our work significantly contributes to tackling inequalities. From the start, tangible social impact has been at the heart of our Global Gateway investment strategy.”

“High levels of social and economic inequality undermine social cohesion and weaken societies’ ability to respond to external shocks and crises. To make a real difference and enhance partner countries’ resilience, we must help them address inequalities in a multidimensional way, set targets and measure the impact – leaving no one behind. The Inequality Marker is a unique and innovative tool that is freely available also to others. I want to encourage all actors in the development space to implement it,” she continued. 

Publicly launched in June 2023 in Paris, the Inequality Marker (“I-Marker”) establishes a robust tracking and benchmarking system that accurately measures the contribution of interventions towards reducing inequalities, capturing their multidimensionality.