A discussion event about the EU's role in the fight for gender equality. The event explores the tension between common European rules and national sovereignty, focusing on which direction Europe should take.
Gender Equality in Europe Today
Gender equality is one of the EU's core values, but there are significant differences between member states. The EU's Gender Equality Index from 2025 shows that the Union as a whole scores 63.4 out of 100 points. Sweden tops the list with 73.7 points, and Denmark is also among the best-performing countries. However, no member state has yet achieved full gender equality.
In recent years, the EU has adopted important regulations in this area, including directives on pay transparency, gender quotas on corporate boards, and combating gender-based violence. The Pay Transparency Directive aims to ensure employees have access to information about wage levels and require larger companies to disclose potential pay gaps between women and men.
The European Commission's Gender Equality Strategy outlines long-term goals to reduce the wage and pension gap between men and women, advance gender equality in the labour market, and eliminate gender-based discrimination. Despite these ambitions, women in the EU earn on average around 77% of men's annual income, and they remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership positions.
Where Should the Boundaries Be?
A key debate concerns how far the EU's influence should extend. Should the Union regulate areas such as family policy, parental leave and labour market matters, or are these national concerns? Several member states – including Denmark, Hungary and Poland – argue that the EU overreaches into traditionally national areas.
Key Discussion Points
- How far has Europe come with gender equality, and where has the EU achieved real results?
- What is the current state of gender equality in Denmark and the EU – and what challenges persist?
- What role should the EU play in future efforts to advance gender equality?
- How should responsibility be divided between the EU and member states?
Mai Rasmussen, Communications Officer at KVINFO – Knowledge Centre for Gender and Equality, participates in the debate.
Practical Information
Location: Dokk1/Aarhus Central Library
Price: Free tickets
