(Il testo seguente è tratto integralmente dalla nota stampa inviata all’Agenzia Opinione) –
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# Closing the gender care gap: better support for formal and informal carers
Parliament adopted recommendations on Thursday aimed at promoting gender equality and greater support in the formal and informal care sector.
In a non-binding resolution passed with 263 votes in favour, 83 against and 154 abstentions, MEPs state that access to care is a fundamental right and call on Member States to address gender inequalities in all forms of care. They also support a “care society” model that prioritises home and proximity services, intergenerational solidarity and independent living. In light of demographic trends, they also call for sustainable funding and a person-centred and rights-based approach.
Parliament calls for the introduction of a “European statute for care providers” to recognise their work and establish minimum standards across the EU. MEPs also want to ensure that informal care providers are recognised in pension and social security systems.
A more equitable sharing of care responsibilities
Care responsibilities should not fall disproportionately on women, MEPs stress. Gender equality in care requires a sharing of responsibilities, equal pay, parental leave and flexible working arrangements. Parliament calls for awareness campaigns to encourage men to take an equal share of care responsibilities, increase women’s participation in the labour market and combat traditional gender stereotypes.
Extra-EU workers in the care sector
Recognising that care work is performed by both EU citizens and workers from third countries, MEPs emphasise the need to prioritise internal recruitment, while adapting the management of migration flows to labour market needs. The recruitment of extra-EU workers should take place through legal migration channels, accompanied by strong investment in training and integration. MEPs also strongly condemn all forms of undeclared work, exploitation and job insecurity.
European action plan
MEPs welcome the announcement by the European Commission of presenting a “European Care Deal” in 2027. They also call for specific measures to reduce the gender gap in care and support formal and informal carers, with particular attention to employment, training (including digital skills), social protection, childcare and psychosocial support.
Statements
Eleonora Meleti (EPP, Greece), rapporteur for the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, said: “There are 6.2 million formal carers and 53 million informal carers in the EU. They offer presence, patience and human contact. The report adopted today finally recognises care as a pillar of our society and our economy, not as invisible work taken for granted. For professional carers we demand better working conditions, fair remuneration and psychological support. For informal carers we demand protection, flexible working arrangements and care leave. Care responsibilities continue to fall disproportionately on women, when they should be a shared responsibility for all of us”.
Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (EPP, Spain), rapporteur for the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, said: “Women continue to bear a disproportionate share of care work, both formal and informal, spending 17 hours more per week than men on unpaid care activities. This invisible work continues to fuel both the gender pay gap and the pension gap. At the same time, professional care work continues to be undervalued and underfunded. Access to accessible, economically sustainable and quality care services is a right for all, including people living in rural and remote areas. No one should reach old age without being able to count on adequate care. I welcome the announcement of a European Care Pact in 2027; this must become our roadmap for building a fairer and more people-centred Europe”.
Context
Care work is often invisible and is performed predominantly by women: according to the European Institute for Gender Equality, 56% of women with children under 12 years of age spend at least five hours a day caring for children, compared to 26% of men.
On 5 March, the European Commission presented a strategy for gender equality.
