At the request of the European Council, the European Commission reports annually on progress towards equality between women and men, and presents the challenges and priorities for the future. In the notice filed this year, the Commission emphasizes the legislative advances this year, but at the same time emphasizes the need to continue working towards full equality.

The European Commission recalls the progress made in various countries on measures to improve the balance between work and family life. This has helped the increasement of the female employment rate, which is located very close to the 60% target set in Lisbon for 2010,  and has also reduced the percentage of part-time workers, which is now four times higher than number of men who do not work full time.

Thus, it has proposed an amendment to the Directive 82/85/CEE to increase maternity leave least 14 to 18 weeks, working to boost the presence of women in enterprises and public institutions and is reviewing the current legislation the EU on equal pay to address the pay gap between women and men. The Commision has acted this year against Member States which failed to meet standards.

In addition, the European Institute for Gender Equality is in the process of creation. When it starts to operate, it will provide technical assistance to commitary institutions and to Member States.

Challenges and strategic directions

Gender stereotyping and the difficulties in balancing work and family life, together with the discriminatory practices and structures visible and invisible, hinder women's access to positions of responsibility and leadership.

Therefore, the Commission sets out several areas where the EU institutions should focus their attention to solving the problem of gender inequality:

• Promote equitable distribution of private and family responsibilities between women and men, and therefore proposes to develop care facilities for children and dependents, flexible working policies, with the possibility of paternity leave and leaves...
• Addressing the gender stereotype to enable women and men can maximize their capabilities. To this end, the Commission appeals to the conscience of sex from school, the workplace and the media.
• Promoting equal access of women and men in decision-making positions. At this point, any specific mention of gender balanced representation in the voting lists and the appointment of elected officials.
• Create greater awareness and understanding of gender equality.

Finally, the Commission invites the Council Europeoa urge Member States to respond rapidly to the challenges by reaffirming its commitment to integrate gender in all policy areas, in cooperation with social partners and civil society.

The full text of the Communication can be found at the Eur-lex official web site.