The gender pay gap persists in the EU
The European Union continues to record a significant inequality in wages. According to the European Commission, women earn on average 12% less than men.
Experts note that the gender gap is formed not only due to wage differences but also due to the structure of the labor market: women more often work part-time, hold lower-paid positions, and face limited opportunities for career advancement. This affects overall income levels and long-term employment prospects.
In 2023, a new package of measures — the Pay Transparency Directive — was adopted, obliging companies to disclose salary data and eliminate discrepancies above 5%. The new rules must come into force no later than June 2026.
The European Commission is also preparing an updated strategy to ensure gender equality after 2025.

