14508/09 ADD 1 PL/vk 1 DG G COUNCIL OF THE ... - Europa

II. DEVELOPMENTS AT INSTITUTIONAL LEVEL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
2.1. Gender Equality mechanisms
2.1.1 General context
The European Union has been pursuing the goal of equal treatment of women and men for over half
a century. The EC Treaty, signed by the six founding countries of the European Economic
Community (EEC) in Rome in 1957, enshrined the right to equal pay for equal work for men and
women.
Since then, the EEC has grown into a European Union of 27 countries. Men’s and women’s rights
to equal treatment and non-discrimination have evolved too.
Article 2 of the EC Treaty provides that the promotion of equality between men and women is a
task of the European Community. Article 3(2) provides that the Community should aim to eliminate
inequalities, and to promote equality between men and women in all its activities (gender
mainstreaming). There are three legal bases in the EC Treaty for EU legislation on equal treatment
of men and women: Article 141(3) concerning matters of employment and occupation;
Article 13(1) on sex discrimination outside of the employment field; and Article 137 with respect to
the promotion of employment, and improved living and working conditions.
Today, EC gender equality law forms a central pillar of equal opportunities policy in Europe.
Thirteen European Directives have been adopted in the field of equal treatment between women and
men. These acts are legally binding for all the EU Member States, which must incorporate them into
their national legislation. The legislation covers the right to equal treatment for men and women in
the areas of work, pay and social security and for access to goods and services. They provide
special protection to pregnant women and those who have recently given birth, and attempt to
establish common standards for women who are self-employed and helping spouses.
14508/09 ADD 1 PL/vk 8
ANNEX DG G EN