Evaluation of the directive on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security

The European Commission is currently evaluating an initiative regarding the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security. A roadmap has been published and a public consultation is open from 21/09/2015 to 14/12/2015.

Taking into account that gender equality is one of the fundamental principles of European Union, existing law can be subject to evaluation.

The Council Directive 79/7/EEC on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security was adopted in 1978.

Since that time, the national social security system and national/European gender equality law have changed, and it seems appropriate to conduct evaluation of the directive in terms of “the efficiency, effectiveness, coherence, relevance, sustainability and EU added-value with a specific focus on identifying possibilities for modernisation”1

The evaluation by the Commission will take several form:

  • Public consultation, where the European Commission is looking for “contributions from all citizens and stakeholders, EU Member States, EU institutions and other bodies, national, regional and local authorities, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, researchers with an interest in gender equality issues and/or social security issues, equality bodies, social partners, civil society organizations and other organisations or individuals”.2  You can answer this public consultation here:
  • Evaluation and in depth analysis of the national social security systems of the EU-28 Member States is conducted by December 2015.
  • A questionnaire was sent to member states in March 2015

The evaluation will analyse the possibilities and options to simplify the directive. 

 

1. Evaluation and Fitness check (FC) roadmap : http://ec.europa.eu/smart-regulation/roadmaps/docs/2015_just_032_evaluat...
2. Equinet : http://www.equineteurope.org/European-Commission-launches-740