Roadmap has no fast lane 

3 March 2006

Commenting on the European Commission's "Roadmap for equality between men and women", Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, the President of the Party of European Socialists, said: "There is a growing understanding across Europe that gender equality is vital for Europe's economic well-being as well as being an important goal in its own right. Europe cannot become more competitive unless more women enter employment. Equally, making it easier for women to combine work and motherhood is an important element in solving Europe's demographic problems. So it is positive that the European Commission has published a roadmap for gender equality. But the route proposed by the Commission is not the fast lane. Although it contains some good elements, such as support for child care through the structural funds, it lacks big or bold ideas. A more direct route is needed if Europe is going to reach its final destination of gender equality." 

The President of PES Women, Zita Gurmai added: "It is thirty years since Europe agreed equal pay legislation. Today we are still a long way from equality. The Commission proposes a long road to equality paved with yet more Communications. Commissioner Spidla is committed to improving gender equality in the EU, but is hampered  by a Commission that seems to be allergic to legislation and frightened to take member states to court for not implementing long-standing law. I hope that the promised Communications on the Gender Pay Gap and on Demography actually contain concrete actions and sanctions to achieve equality between women and men."