The use of cookies allow to optimize your experience on this website. We use cookies for statistical purposes and for quality assurance purposes. By continuing to browse our site, you accept our cookies.

Women's Rights and Gender Equality in the European Union

Equality between women and men is a common value of the European Union that is enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty. Pursuant to the Treaty on the European Union, promoting gender equality is one of the Union's tasks (Article 3). In all its activities, it aims to eliminate inequalities and to promote equality between women and men (Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Article 8).

The European Union has adopted significant legislation in the field of gender equality. Member States of the European Union are obliged to implement these directives. In addition to the legally binding directives, the Gender Equality Strategy (2026-2030) represents a clear commitment to promote gender equality within the EU and a catalogue of measures to achieve this objective on EU and Member State level. Progress reports are presented annually by the European Commission.

The following principles of the Roadmap for Women’s Rights are covered as focus areas with concrete actions by the European Commission in the Gender Equality Strategy (2026-2030):

  • Freedom from gender-based violence - the right to security and dignity
  • The highest standards of physical and mental health
  • Equal pay, economic empowerment and financial independence
  • Work-life balance and gender equality in care
  • Equal employment opportunities and adequate working conditions
  • High-quality and inclusive education and training
  • Active, equal and safe participation in public and political life
  • Institutional mechanisms that deliver on gender equality

LGBTIQ Equality in the EU

An EU strategy for LGBTIQ equality was presented for the first time in 2020. The "LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025" sets out targeted measures in four pillars:

  • Tackling discrimination against LGBTIQ people;
  • Ensuring LGBTIQ people's safety;
  • Building LGBTIQ inclusive societies; and
  • Leading the call for LGBTIQ equality around the world.

In October 2025, the successor LGBTIQ+ equality strategy 2026-2030 was adopted. This strategy combines targeted measures by the European Commission in central policy areas as well as equality mainstreaming in all EU-policy fields, and is structured in three pillars:

  • Protect from violence, hate and discrimination
  • Empowerment in various areas
  • Joint engagement of the EU, its member states and civil society within the Union and worldwide

Documents and Links