Gender pay equity in Europe
January 2002 
Comparative study
There are still significant wage differentials between women and men across the EU and Norway. This remaining pay gap is of increasing concern to policy-makers and women themselves at both national and European level. The issue is especially topical at present, in the light of the EU's European employment strategy and its focus on equal opportunities. This comparative study reviews: the general development of the pay gap in the EU and Norway; statutory measures to combat pay discrimination against women and improve their pay conditions; the relationship between the issue of pay equity and collective bargaining; the approach taken by the social partners; and the pay equity issue within EU Member States' National Action Plans for employment.
The comparative study was compiled on the basis of individual national reports submitted by EIRO's national centres. The text of each of these national reports is available below in Word format. The reports have not been edited or approved by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions. The national reports were drawn up in response to a questionnaire and should be read in conjunctionwith it.
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