EU Presidency Trio signs declaration on gender equality - Main contents

The Netherlands, Slovakia and Malta have signed a joint declaration on gender equality, one of the EU’s objectives and tasks. The declaration gives an insight into the views and plans of the three Presidency holders.

Equality between men and women

From 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2017, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Malta will form the EU Presidency Trio. The three member states’ social affairs ministers signed the declaration on 7 December 2015 during the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council.

Increased employment of women

The declaration stresses that equality between women and men is a prerequisite for ensuring growth, prosperity, well-being, and social inclusion. It also notes that, in general, women are more at risk of experiencing poverty and social exclusion than men. Getting more women into waged work can help reduce that risk and ensure their economic independence. The declaration is accompanied by a list of specific actions which will encourage progress on gender equality in the coming 18 months.

Accessibility Act for disabled persons

The Presidency Trio also presented a proposal concerning a European Accessibility Act. This draft directive sets out the products and services which people with a disability must be able to access. Examples include ATMs and banking services, telephones and TV equipment, transport services, e-books and e-commerce. The directive’s aim is to allow disabled people to fully participate in society. The act would take further steps to apply the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.