European Union

Take action to introduce binding pay-transparency measures

The EU is fully committed to the principle of equal pay for equal work as enshrined in its Treaties. In the first 100 days of its new mandate (2019-2024), the European Commission will take action to introduce binding pay-transparency measures.

Implement the Directive on Work-life Balance for Parents and Careers

The Directive sets minimum standards for family leaves, encourages sharing of familyleaves through earmarked periods of two months paid parental leave for each of the parents, and introduces 5 days careers’ leave for each worker and 10 days paid paternity leave for fathers. EU member states are now taking necessary steps to implement theDirective into their national legislation, with the support of the European Commission. EU Members will provide a national implementation report in 2027 and the European Commission will draw up an implementation report for the entire European Union.

Present in 2020 a gender equality strategy to promote gender equality in the EU and elsewhere

Gender equality is a fundamental value of the EU, enshrined in the European Union Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.The Strategic engagement for gender equality 2016-2019 marked a new phase in EU efforts to promote equality between women and men identifying more than thirty key actions with timelines and indicators for monitoringin five priority areas:
i) equal economic independence for women and men;
ii) equal pay for work of equal value;
iii) equality in decision-making;
iv) dignity, integrity and ending gender-based violence; and
v) promoting gender equality beyond the EU.

In addition, it emphasised the need to integrate a gender equality perspective into all EU policies as well as into EU funding programmes. Progress made in implementing the Strategic engagement has been reflected in annual reports.

The Strategic engagement for gender equality 2016-2019 will be followed by a gender equality strategy to continue the European Commission’s work on promoting gender equality in the EU and elsewhere.