The principle of equal pay for equal work has been enshrined in the EU treaties since 1957 and is incorporated in the Gender Equality Recast Directive (2006/54/EC) on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of women and men in matters of employment and occupation.  

Although an integral part of the Treaties for almost 60 years, the practical application of the equal pay principle in Member States has historically been one of the most problematic areas (current figures estimate a 16.3% pay-gap in the EU and an 11.5% pay-gap in Malta).  

To address obstacles and provide guidance to Member States on combating pay discrimination, in 2010, the European Commission published the Strategy for Equality between women and men 2010-2015 and the Strategic Engagement to gender equality 2016-2019 in 2015. In this document, the Commission emphasised the need to integrate a gender equality perspective into all EU policies.   

To tackle the gender pay gap and make the equal pay principle a reality, the Commission continues to monitor Member States’ compliance with the equal pay principle. The ongoing lack of visible progress in combating pay discrimination, as well as the persisting gender pay gap suggest a possible need for further targeted measures at EU level. 

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