On March 25–26, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Women’s Committee meets in Brussels and online. Members and experts discuss strategic gender equality goals, the implementation of key EU directives, and review progress while identifying priority areas for further action.

The first session focused on the state of gender equality in Europe and the new Gender Equality Strategy, followed by discussions on its implementation and concrete next steps.

Participants highlighted challenges in enforcing equal pay for work of equal value—especially in the public sector—as well as the implementation of the International Labour Organization Convention No. 190 on eliminating violence and harassment at work, including issues related to ensuring safe working conditions for women.

The need to strengthen women’s representation across ETUC structures and achieve gender parity at the 2027 ETUC Congress was emphasized.

The meeting also reviewed results of the “Wage-Up” project and progress in transposing the Pay Transparency Directive, with an upcoming social partner seminar scheduled for April 24, 2026.

It was noted that BusinessEurope had sought to weaken parts of the directive, but President of the European Commision Ursula von der Leyen confirmed it will remain unchanged, preserving safeguards for workers. ETUC plans further initiatives to support proper implementation across member states.

Updates were also provided on the EU directive on gender balance on corporate boards. Meanwhile, in Lithuania, it has already been transposed into national law, introducing a 33% quota for leadership positions by mid-2026, with requirements for transparent selection procedures and financial penalties for non-compliance.

Esther Lynch presented key priorities and preparations for the upcoming ETUC Congress.

Representatives from the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation Regina Dvaržeckytė, Sonata Bagnskaitė-Puodė, and Jūratė Čilinskaitė also participated in the meeting.