‘Gender equality is a fundamental right, a common value of the EU, and a necessary condition for the achievement of the EU objectives of growth, employment and social cohesion.’ (European Commission: Roadmap for Equality between Women and Men). 2007 has been designated as ‘European Year of Equal Opportunities for All’. What are the challenges of gender equality policy in a wider Europe of 27, with a combined population of 500 million? A two-days conference on ‘The Role of Women in Central Europe after EU Enlargement’ organized by the Austrian Cultural Forum Milan together with Milan State University tried to assess the history, culture, economic situation and international relations of one «female half» of Europe that sees the Western world with new eyes and may indicate to us the way to a better future.