In light of the transposition period of the EU Pay Transparency Directive, the Party of European Socialists (PES) reiterates the need for strong action to close the gender pay and pension gap across Europe. Equal pay is a right, not a privilege.
Despite progress, on average, women in the EU still earn around 11% less than men. This also impacts the gender pension gap that is even higher and amounts to around 25%*[1]. The PES underlinethat these gaps are unacceptable, even more so in 21st-century Europe. There is no time to waste in closing the gender pay gap and ensuring real accountability.
In line with Member States’ commitment to the founding principles of the EU and its treaties, the PES family has been a long-standing fighter for gender equality. It spearheaded the adoption of the Pay Transparency Directive in 2023 and remains strongly committed to fair wages.
Stefan Löfven, PES President, said:
“Equal work must mean equal pay, and this can only be achieved with meaningful action and strong enforcement. Against the push for deregulation by conservatives and business organisations, we reiterate that attacks on workers’ and women’s rights disguised as ‘simplification’ will not result in a more competitive Europe. Only an equal Europe that champions fundamental rights will benefit people.”
Katarina Barley, PES Vice-President, said:
“With inequalities persisting and widening in Europe, the EU Pay Transparency Directive makes a crucial contribution towards a fair and equal Europe. The Directive’s proper implementation in a timely manner will empower millions of workers, especially women and their economic independence.”
For further context:
The Pay Transparency Directive is a key achievement of the PES family and was adopted in 2023. The Directive includes provisions on access to information on pay, reporting obligations for companies and rules on access to justice in favour of workers.
*[1] Eurostat, Gender pay gap statistics, February 2026, available here; Eurostat, Women’s pension 25% lower than men’s in 2024, February 2026, available here.
