### 3. welcomes the fact that gender equality and mainstreaming is one of the horizontal principles for union funds in the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 and in the recovery and resilience facility and calls for gender impact assessments , gender objectives and gender monitoring to be rolled out as outlined in the court’s special report; ### 3. welcomes the fact that equality between men and women is one of the horizontal principles for union funds in the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 and in the recovery and resilience facility;


### 4. acknowledges an increase in the eige’s carry-over operating expenditure to 49 ,49 % in 2020 (compared to 28 ,01 % in 2019); ### 4. acknowledges an increase in the eige’s carry-over operating expenditure to 49 ,49 % in 2020 (compared to 28 ,01 % in 2019) , suggesting waste and inefficient management of its resources;


### 5. notes that , in its annual report on eu agencies for the financial year 20201 , the court of auditors (the ‘court’) confirmed that the eige’s annual accounts present fairly , in all material respects , its financial position at 31 december 2020 , the results of its operations , its cash flows and the changes in net assets for the year then ended; notes that , according to the court , the revenue and payments underlying the eige’s annual accounts for the year ended 31 december 2020 are legal and regular in all material respects; ### notes that , in its annual report on eu agencies for the financial year 20201 , the court of auditors (the ‘court’) confirmed that the eige’s annual accounts present fairly , in all material respects , its financial position at 31 december 2020 , the results of its operations , its cash flows and the changes in net assets for the year then ended; notes that , according to the court , the revenue and payments underlying the eige’s annual accounts for the year ended 31 december 2020 are legal and regular in all material respects but not in their entirety;


### 6. recommends , on the basis of the data currently available , that discharge be granted to the director of the eige in respect of the implementation of the eige’s budget for the financial year 2020. ### 6. recommends , on the basis of the data currently available , questioning discharge to the director of the eige in respect of the implementation of the eige’s budget for the financial year 2020.


### — having regard to the commission communication of 5 march 2020 entitled ‘a union of equality: gender equality strategy 2020-2025’ (com(2020)0152) , ### deleted


### — having regard to the commission’s directorate-general for communications networks , content and technology study of 2020 entitled ‘women in the digital age’ , ### deleted


### — having regard to its resolution of 21 january 2021 on the gender perspective in the covid-19 crisis and post-crisis period5 , ### deleted


### — having regard to its resolution of 21 january 2021 on the eu strategy for gender equality6 , ### deleted


### — having regard to its resolution of 10 june 2021 on promoting gender equality in science , technology , engineering and mathematics (stem) education and careers7 , ### (does not affect the english version.)


### — having regard to the report of the committee on women’s rights and gender equality (a9-0000/2021) , ### deleted


### a. whereas female entrepreneurs and self-employed are an under-utilised source of economic growth and job creation; whereas supporting this group can strengthen eu competitiveness; ### a. whereas female entrepreneurs and self-employed are an under-utilised source of economic growth and job creation; whereas supporting this group can strengthen eu competitiveness; highlights the fact that it is ultimately all entrepreneurial activity that creates jobs and incomes and thus added value for business and society and should be promoted by member states;


### c. whereas women only constitute 34.4 % of the self-employed in the eu and 30 % of its start-up entrepreneurs; ### c. whereas women only constitute 34.4 % of the self-employed in the eu and 30 % of its start-up entrepreneurs; confirming that the largest gender gaps within entrepreneurial activity are found in high-income countries in europe & north america1a , despite of a higher degree of freedom and equality among genders;


### d. whereas women face more difficulties in pursuing entrepreneurship than men; whereas barriers include a lack of specific training , a lower level of self-confidence , less access to social and business networks and difficulties in reconciling work and family life; ### d. whereas women face more difficulties in pursuing entrepreneurship than men; whereas barriers include a lack of specific training , a lower level of self-confidence , less access to social and business networks and difficulties in reconciling work and family life; therefore encourages women not to internalise the narrative that female entrepreneurs are not taken seriously due to their gender , but instead to take respect and equality in the work environment for granted;


### d. whereas women face more difficulties in pursuing entrepreneurship than men; whereas barriers include a lack of specific training , a lower level of self-confidence , less access to social and business networks and difficulties in reconciling work and family life; ### d. whereas it may be the case that women face more difficulties in pursuing entrepreneurship than men; whereas barriers include a lack of specific training , a lower level of self-confidence , less access to social and business networks and difficulties in reconciling work and family life;


### f. whereas statistics show that female entrepreneurs have more difficulties than men in raising finance; whereas women-led companies still account for a very small portion of investment recipients; whereas all-male founding teams received 93 % of all capital invested in european tech in 20188; ### f. whereas there are statistics that show that female entrepreneurs have more difficulties than men in raising finance; whereas women-led companies still account for a very small portion of investment recipients; whereas all-male founding teams received 93 % of all capital invested in european tech in 20188;


### i. whereas six member states have created 11 private funds to fill the gap in funding for female entrepreneurs and these funds use gender considerations in their investment criteria; whereas some of these funds have received national or eu support , which shows the important role of public policies in promoting entrepreneurship11 ; ### i. whereas six member states have created 11 private funds to fill the gap in funding for female entrepreneurs and these funds use considerations that support women in their investment criteria; whereas some of these funds have received national or eu support , which shows the important role of public policies in promoting entrepreneurship11;


### 1. welcomes commission initiatives such as women techeu and the european innovation council women leadership programme and the creation of various european networks for female entrepreneurs; urges the commission to promote such initiatives more actively by focusing on the eu growth potential and to support the achievements of women entrepreneurs; ### 1. welcomes commission initiatives such as women techeu and the european innovation council women leadership programme and the creation of various european networks for female entrepreneurs; urges however the commission to promote any initiative which focuses on the eu growth potential and which contributes to the creation of a motivating culture of entrepreneurial thinking and equal opportunities;


### 5. calls the commission to make up-to-date and comparable statistics available for the purpose of analysing the economic significance of entrepreneurs and self-employed , and the various categories within entrepreneurship and self-employed with respect to industry and gender to identify the share of women entrepreneurs and self-employed; ### 5. calls the commission to make up-to-date and comparable statistics available for the purpose of analysing the economic significance of entrepreneurs and self-employed , and the various categories within entrepreneurship and self-employed with respect to industry and gender to identify the share of women entrepreneurs and self-employed; highlights however the importance of equality before the law and that a gender distribution of 50:50 is not necessary , since individuals are unequal. every individual who wants to pursue entrepreneurial activity should be encouraged to take this step , since the running of a business , creates jobs and incomes and thus added value for business and the entire society;


### 6. calls , in particular , for greater women-focused promotion of stem subjects , digital education and financial literacy in order to combat prevailing stereotypes and ensure that more women enter these sectors and contribute to their development; highlights the importance of promoting education and careers in finance to women to support the development of a reliable network of female investors; ### 6. calls , in particular , for greater women-focused promotion of stem subjects , digital education and financial literacy in order to combat prevailing stereotypes and ensure that more women enter these sectors and contribute to their development; highlights the importance of promoting education and careers in finance to women to support the development of a reliable network of investors; emphasises at the same time the need to trust in women’s ability to assert themselves in the free market , rather than declaring them helpless and thereby cementing stereotypes in the name of positive state discrimination;


### 6. calls , in particular , for greater women-focused promotion of stem subjects , digital education and financial literacy in order to combat prevailing stereotypes and ensure that more women enter these sectors and contribute to their development; highlights the importance of promoting education and careers in finance to women to support the development of a reliable network of female investors; ### 6. calls , in particular , for greater women-focused promotion of stem subjects , digital education and financial literacy in order to ensure that more women enter these sectors and contribute to their development; highlights the importance of promoting education and careers in finance to women to support the development of a reliable network of female investors;


### 8. calls on member states and the commission to facilitate access to funds for women entrepreneurs and self-employed; urges the commission to establish a european network of gender-conscious investors; considers that such a network will be able to provide women-led companies with relevant connections , networks and funding opportunities; ### 8. calls on member states and the commission to facilitate access to funds for women entrepreneurs and self-employed women; urges the commission to establish a european network of investors who are attuned to the world of women; considers that such a network will be able to provide women-led companies with relevant connections , networks and funding opportunities;


### 9. welcomes the efforts by the dedicated private investment funds that incorporate gender criteria in their investment assessments to address the underfunding of women-led enterprises; calls the commission to support co-investment programmes with venture capital funds and business angels that have an investment focus on women and mentorship programmes for women entrepreneurs; considers that this would be a powerful action to nurture the ecosystem from the ground up; ### 9. welcomes the efforts by the dedicated private investment funds that incorporate an awareness of the world of women into their investment assessments to address the underfunding of women-led enterprises; calls on the commission to support co-investment programmes with venture capital funds and business angels that have an investment focus on women and mentorship programmes for women entrepreneurs; considers that this would be a powerful action to nurture the ecosystem from the ground up;


### 11. calls on the commission and member states to systematically track and monitor gender-disaggregated data across the whole union to ensure high-quality data on eu and national funding programmes; highlights that this could serve as a basis for more informed policy decisions in the future; ### 11. calls on the commission and member states to systematically track and monitor gender-disaggregated data across the whole union to ensure high-quality data on eu and national funding programmes; highlights that this could serve as a basis for more informed policy decisions in the future. stresses at the same time to foster and promote the principle of individual freedom in our societies , in which every individual has the right to determine his or her behaviour or purpose in life. the state should neither forbid nor force its citizens into a profession. free people develop according to their inclinations and talents and are indispensable for long-term progress in society.


### 11. calls on the commission and member states to systematically track and monitor gender-disaggregated data across the whole union to ensure high-quality data on eu and national funding programmes; highlights that this could serve as a basis for more informed policy decisions in the future; ### 11. calls on the commission and member states to systematically track and monitor sex-disaggregated data across the whole union to ensure high-quality data on eu and national funding programmes; highlights that this could serve as a basis for more informed policy decisions in the future;


### 12. emphasises the need to remove administrative barriers to starting a business in order to make becoming an entrepreneur or self-employed more attractive to women; calls on member states to consider developing standardised administrative packages for entrepreneurs to follow in the early stages of starting a business; believes that this will ease the administrative burden in interactions with local authorities such as tax authorities , municipalities , etc.; ### 12. emphasises the need to remove administrative barriers to starting a business in order to make becoming an entrepreneur or self-employed more attractive to women; calls on member states to consider developing standardised administrative packages for entrepreneurs to follow in the early stages of starting a business; believes that this will ease the administrative burden in interactions with local authorities such as tax authorities , municipalities , etc.; highlights that it is freedom , not regulation , which is the engine of innovation and progress;


### 13. highlights the importance of work-life balance for women entrepreneurs and self-employed; calls on member states to support social frameworks , such as flexible childcare , that are essential to encouraging more women to take part in entrepreneurship; welcomes actions already taken by member states on this matter; recognises national differences in social policy and respect for subsidiarity; ### 13. highlights the importance of work-life balance for women entrepreneurs and self-employed; calls on member states to support social frameworks , such as flexible childcare , that are essential to encouraging more women to take part in entrepreneurship; welcomes actions already taken by member states on this matter; recognises national differences in social policy and respect for subsidiarity and reminds of the fact that it is in the self-interest of member states to promote family-friendly working models;


### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 153 (2) , in conjunction with point (b) of article 153 (1) thereof ### pursuant to article 28 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , all workers have the right to negotiate and conclude collective agreements at the appropriate levels and , in cases of conflicts of interest , to take collective action to defend their interests , including strike action ,


### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 153 (2) , in conjunction with point (b) of article 153 (1) thereof ### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 153(2) , in conjunction with articles 153(1)(b) and (f) and 153(5) thereof ,


### (3) the european social charter establishes that all workers have the right to just conditions of work. it recognises the right of all workers to a fair remuneration sufficient for a decent standard of living for themselves and their families. article 4 of the charter recognises the role of freely concluded collective agreements as well as of statutory minimum wage setting mechanisms , to ensure the effective exercise of this right. ### (3) the european social charter establishes that all workers have the right to just conditions of work. it recognises the right of all workers to a fair remuneration sufficient for a decent standard of living for themselves and their families. article 4 of the charter recognises the role of freely concluded collective agreements as well as of statutory wage setting mechanisms or any other procedure for this purpose consistent with national conditions , to ensure the effective exercise of this right.


### (4) chapter ii of the european pillar of social rights , proclaimed at gothenburg on 17 november 2017 , establishes a set of principles to serve as a guide towards ensuring fair working conditions. principle no 6 of the european pillar of social rights reaffirms the workers’ right to fair wages that provide for a decent standard of living. it also provides that adequate minimum wages shall be ensured , in a way that provides for the satisfaction of the needs of the worker and his/her family in the light of national economic and social conditions , whilst safeguarding access to employment and incentives to seek work. furthermore , it recalls that in-work poverty shall be prevented and that all wages shall be set in a transparent and predictable way and respecting the autonomy of the social partners. ### (4) chapter ii of the european pillar of social rights , proclaimed at gothenburg on 17 november 2017 , establishes a set of principles to serve as a guide towards ensuring fair working conditions. principle no 6 of the european pillar of social rights reaffirms the workers’ right to fair wages that provide for a decent standard of living. it also provides that adequate minimum wages shall be ensured , in a way that provides for the satisfaction of the needs of the worker and his/her family in the light of national economic and social conditions , whilst safeguarding access to employment and incentives to seek work. furthermore , it recalls that in-work poverty shall be prevented and that all wages shall be set in a transparent and predictable way in accordance with national practices and respecting the autonomy of the social partners.


### (5) guideline 5 of council decision 2020/ 1512/eu on guidelines for the employment policies of the member states37calls on member states to ensure an effective involvement of social partners in wage-setting , providing for fair wages that enable a decent standard of living and allowing for an adequate responsiveness of wages to productivity developments , with a view to upward convergence. the guideline also calls on member states to promote social dialogue and collective bargaining on wage setting. it also calls on member states and the social partners to ensure that all workers have adequate and fair wages by benefitting from collective agreements or adequate statutory minimum wages , and taking into account their impact on competitiveness , job creation and in-work poverty. the annual sustainable growth strategy 202138states that member states should adopt measures to ensure fair working conditions. in addition , the annual sustainable growth strategy 202039recalled that in the context of growing social divides , it is important to ensure that each worker earns an adequate wage. several country specific recommendations have also been issued to some member states in the field of minimum wages. however , individual countries may be little inclined to improve their minimum wage settings because of the perception that this could negatively affect their external cost competitiveness. ### (5) guideline 5 of council decision 2020/ 1512/eu on guidelines for the employment policies of the member states37 calls on member states to ensure an effective involvement of social partners in wage-setting , providing for fair wages that enable a decent standard of living and allowing for an adequate responsiveness of wages to productivity developments , with a view to upward convergence. the guideline also calls on member states to promote social dialogue and collective bargaining on wage setting. it also calls on member states and the social partners to ensure that all workers have adequate and fair wages by benefitting from collective agreements or adequate statutory minimum wages , and taking into account their impact on competitiveness , job creation and in-work poverty. the annual sustainable growth strategy 202138 states that member states should adopt measures to ensure fair working conditions. in addition , the annual sustainable growth strategy 202039 recalled that in the context of growing social divides , it is important to ensure that each worker earns an adequate wage. several country specific recommendations have also been issued to some member states in the field of minimum wages. the european union may encourage member states to improve the mechanism for setting the minimum wage and its amount , taking particular account of the different economic circumstances and respecting the member states’ traditions in this regard.


### (8) women , young and low-skilled workers and persons with disabilities have a higher probability of being minimum wage or low wage earners than other groups. during economic downturns , such as the covid-19 crisis , the role of minimum wages in protecting low-wage workers becomes increasingly important and is essential to support a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery. addressing minimum wage contributes to gender equality , closing the gender pay and pension gap as well as elevating women out of poverty. ### (8) women , young and low-skilled workers , persons with disabilities and certain sectors of human activity still have a higher probability of being minimum wage or low wage earners. equal pay has to be guaranteed , in accordance with a weighted criterion for excellence that benefits competitiveness , and work-life balance facilitated , including for men , in order to foster a fair and caring society.


### (10) while minimum wage protection exists in all member states , in some that protection stems from legislative provisions (“statutory minimum wages”) and from collective agreements while in others it is provided exclusively , through collective agreements. ### (10) while minimum wage protection exists in all member states , in some that protection stems from legislative provisions (“statutory minimum wages”) and from collective agreements while in others it is provided exclusively , through collective agreements. reiterates the right of each member state to decide which minimum wage protection they shall have.


### (12) not all workers in the union are protected by minimum wages. in some member states some workers , even though they are covered , receive in practice a remuneration below the statutory minimum wage due to the non-respect of existing rules. in particular , such non-compliance has been found to affect notably women , young workers , people with disabilities and agricultural workers. in member states where minimum wage protection is provided only through collective agreements , the share of workers not covered is estimated to vary from 2% to 55% of all workers. ### (12) not all workers in the union are protected by minimum wages. in some member states some workers , even though they are covered , receive in practice a remuneration below the statutory minimum wage due to the non-respect of existing rules , something that should never happen.


### (14) the commission has consulted management and labour in a two-stage process with regard to possible action to address the challenges related to adequate minimum wages protection in the union , in accordance with article 154 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union. there was no agreement among the social partners to enter into negotiations with regard to those matters. it is , however , important to take action at union level to ensure that workers in the union are protected by adequate minimum wages , taking into account the outcomes of the social partners’ consultation. ### (14) the commission has consulted management and labour in a two-stage process with regard to possible action to address the challenges related to adequate minimum wages protection in the union , in accordance with article 154 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union. there was no agreement among the social partners to enter into negotiations with regard to those matters.


### (14) the commission has consulted management and labour in a two-stage process with regard to possible action to address the challenges related to adequate minimum wages protection in the union , in accordance with article 154 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union. there was no agreement among the social partners to enter into negotiations with regard to those matters. it is , however , important to take action at union level to ensure that workers in the union are protected by adequate minimum wages , taking into account the outcomes of the social partners’ consultation. ### (14) the commission has consulted management and labour in a two-stage process with regard to possible action to address the challenges related to adequate minimum wages protection in the union , in accordance with article 154 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union. there was no agreement among the social partners to enter into negotiations with regard to those matters. this illustrates the complexity of the issue and its sensitive nature for the social partners concerned.


### (14) the commission has consulted management and labour in a two-stage process with regard to possible action to address the challenges related to adequate minimum wages protection in the union , in accordance with article 154 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union. there was no agreement among the social partners to enter into negotiations with regard to those matters. it is , however , important to take action at union level to ensure that workers in the union are protected by adequate minimum wages , taking into account the outcomes of the social partners’ consultation. ### (14) the commission has consulted management and labour in a two-stage process with regard to possible action to address the challenges related to adequate minimum wages protection in the union , in accordance with article 154 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union. there was no agreement among the social partners to enter into negotiations with regard to those matters. it is , however , important to take action to ensure that workers in the union are protected by adequate minimum wages , taking into account the outcomes of the social partners’ consultation.


### (15) this directive establishes minimum requirements at union level to ensure both that minimum wages are set at adequate level and that workers have access to minimum wage protection , in the form of a statutory minimum wage or in the form of wages set under collective agreements as defined for the purpose of this directive. ### (15) this directive establishes certain criteria at union level to ensure both that minimum wages are adequately set and that workers have access to minimum wage protection , in the form of a statutory minimum wage or in the form of wages set under collective agreements as defined for the purpose of this directive. the criteria established in this directive will not prevent the member states from establishing other criteria that may be more appropriate to their particular context.


### (15) this directive establishes minimum requirements at union level to ensure both that minimum wages are set at adequate level and that workers have access to minimum wage protection , in the form of a statutory minimum wage or in the form of wages set under collective agreements as defined for the purpose of this directive. ### (15) this directive establishes minimum requirements to ensure both that minimum wages are set at adequate level and that workers have access to minimum wage protection , in the form of a statutory minimum wage or in the form of wages set under collective agreements as defined for the purpose of this directive.


### (16) in full respect of article 153(5) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , this directive neither aims to harmonise the level of minimum wages across the union nor to establish an uniform mechanism for setting minimum wages. it does not interfere with the freedom of member states to set statutory minimum wages or promote access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements , according to the traditions and specificities of each country and in full respect of national competences and social partners’ contractual freedom. this directive does not impose an obligation on the member states where minimum wage protection is ensured exclusively via collective agreements to introduce a statutory minimum wage nor to make the collective agreements universally applicable. also , this directive does not establish the level of pay , which falls within the contractual freedom of the social partners at national level and within the relevant competence of member states. ### (16) in full respect of article 153(5) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , this directive neither aims to harmonise the level of minimum wages across the union nor to establish an uniform mechanism for setting minimum wages. this directive does not impose an obligation on the member states where minimum wage protection is ensured exclusively via collective agreements to introduce a statutory minimum wage nor to make the collective agreements universally applicable. also , this directive does not establish the level of pay , which falls within the contractual freedom of the social partners at national level and within the relevant competence of member states.


### (16) in full respect of article 153(5) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , this directive neither aims to harmonise the level of minimum wages across the union nor to establish an uniform mechanism for setting minimum wages. it does not interfere with the freedom of member states to set statutory minimum wages or promote access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements , according to the traditions and specificities of each country and in full respect of national competences and social partners’ contractual freedom. this directive does not impose an obligation on the member states where minimum wage protection is ensured exclusively via collective agreements to introduce a statutory minimum wage nor to make the collective agreements universally applicable. also , this directive does not establish the level of pay , which falls within the contractual freedom of the social partners at national level and within the relevant competence of member states. ### (16) in full respect of article 153(5) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , this directive neither aims to harmonise the level of minimum wages across the union nor to establish an uniform mechanism for setting minimum wages. it does not interfere with the freedom of member states to set statutory minimum wages or promote access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements , according to the traditions and specificities of each country and in full respect of national competences and social partners’ contractual freedom. this directive does not impose an obligation on the member states where minimum wage protection is ensured exclusively via collective agreements to introduce a statutory minimum wage nor to make the collective agreements universally applicable. also , this directive does not establish the level of pay , which falls within the contractual freedom of the social partners at national level and within the relevant competence of member states. however , it should be borne in mind that the legal establishment of objectives , criteria and mechanisms in the form of a directive will have a significant impact on member states' competences as regards establishing a minimum wage and on the autonomy of the social partners to engage in voluntary collective bargaining.


### (16) in full respect of article 153(5) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , this directive neither aims to harmonise the level of minimum wages across the union nor to establish an uniform mechanism for setting minimum wages. it does not interfere with the freedom of member states to set statutory minimum wages or promote access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements , according to the traditions and specificities of each country and in full respect of national competences and social partners’ contractual freedom. this directive does not impose an obligation on the member states where minimum wage protection is ensured exclusively via collective agreements to introduce a statutory minimum wage nor to make the collective agreements universally applicable. also , this directive does not establish the level of pay , which falls within the contractual freedom of the social partners at national level and within the relevant competence of member states. ### (16) in full respect of article 153(5) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , this directive neither aims to harmonise pay across the union nor to affect the right to association. it does not interfere with the freedom of member states to set statutory minimum wages or promote access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements , according to the traditions and specificities of each country and in full respect of national competences and social partners’ contractual freedom. this directive does not impose an obligation on the member states where minimum wage protection is ensured exclusively via collective agreements to introduce a statutory minimum wage nor to make the collective agreements universally applicable. also , this directive does not establish the level of pay , which falls within the contractual freedom of the social partners at national level and within the relevant competence of member states.


### (17) this directive should apply to workers who have an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by the law , collective agreements or practice in force in each member state , with consideration to the criteria established by the court of justice of the european union for determining the status of a worker. provided that they fulfil those criteria , domestic workers , on-demand workers , intermittent workers , voucher based-workers , bogus self-employed , platform workers , trainees and apprentices could fall within the scope of this directive. genuinely self-employed persons do not fall within the scope of this directive since they do not fulfil those criteria. the abuse of the status of self-employed persons , as defined in national law , either at national level or in cross-border situations , is a form of falsely declared work that is frequently associated with undeclared work. bogus self-employment occurs when a person is declared to be self-employed while fulfilling the conditions characteristic of an employment relationship , in order to avoid certain legal or fiscal obligations. such persons should fall within the scope of this directive. the determination of the existence of an employment relationship should be guided by the facts relating to the actual performance of the work and not by the parties' description of the relationship. ### (17) this directive should apply to workers who have an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by the law , collective agreements or practice in force in each member state , with consideration to the criteria established by the court of justice of the european union. provided that they fulfil those criteria , domestic workers , on-demand workers , intermittent workers , voucher based-workers , bogus self-employed , platform workers , trainees and apprentices could fall within the scope of this directive. genuinely self-employed persons do not fall within the scope of this directive since they do not fulfil those criteria. the abuse of the status of self-employed persons , as defined in national law , either at national level or in cross-border situations , is a form of falsely declared work that is frequently associated with undeclared work. bogus self-employment occurs when a person is declared to be self-employed while fulfilling the conditions characteristic of an employment relationship , in order to avoid certain legal or fiscal obligations. such persons should fall within the scope of this directive. the determination of the existence of an employment relationship should be guided by the facts relating to the actual performance of the work and not by the parties' description of the relationship.


### (18) well-functioning collective bargaining on wage setting is an important means to ensure that workers are protected by adequate minimum wages. in the member states with statutory minimum wages , collective bargaining supports general wage developments and therefore contributes to improving the adequacy of minimum wages. in the member states where minimum wage protection is provided exclusively by collective bargaining , their level as well as the share of protected workers are directly determined by the functioning of the collective bargaining system and collective bargaining coverage. strong and well-functioning collective bargaining together with a high coverage of sectorial or cross-industry collective agreements strengthen the adequacy and the coverage of minimum wages. ### (18) well-functioning collective bargaining on wage setting is an important means to ensure that workers are protected by adequate minimum wages. in the member states with statutory minimum wages , collective bargaining supports general wage developments and therefore contributes to improving the adequacy of minimum wages. in the member states where minimum wage protection is provided exclusively by collective bargaining , their level as well as the share of protected workers are directly determined by the functioning of the collective bargaining system and collective bargaining coverage. strong and well-functioning collective bargaining together with a high coverage of sectorial or cross-industry collective agreements can have a positive impact on the adequacy and the coverage of minimum wages.


### (19) in a context of declining collective bargaining coverage , it is essential that the member states promote collective bargaining to enhance workers’ access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements. member states with a high collective bargaining coverage tend to have a low share of low-wage workers and high minimum wages. member states with a small share of low wage earners have a collective bargaining coverage rate above 70%. similarly , the majority of the member states with high levels of minimum wages relative to the median wage have a collective bargaining coverage above 70%. while all member states should be encouraged to promote collective bargaining , those who do not reach this level of coverage should , in consultation and/or agreement with the social partners , provide for or , where it already exists , strengthen a framework of facilitative procedures and institutional arrangements enabling the conditions for collective bargaining. such framework should be established by law or by tripartite agreement.. ### (19) in a context of declining collective bargaining coverage , it is essential that the member states promote collective bargaining to enhance workers’ access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements.


### (20) sound rules , procedures and practice for setting and updating statutory minimum wages are necessary to deliver adequate minimum wages , while safeguarding jobs and the competitiveness of firms including small and medium-sized enterprises. they include a number of elements to preserve the adequacy of statutory minimum wages , including criteria and indicators to assess adequacy , regular and timely updates , the existence of consultative bodies and the involvement of social partners. a timely and effective involvement of the latter is another element of good governance that allows for an informed and inclusive decision-making process. ### (20) sound rules , procedures and practice for setting and updating statutory minimum wages are necessary to deliver adequate minimum wages , while safeguarding jobs and the competitiveness of firms including small and medium-sized enterprises. they include a number of elements to preserve the adequacy of statutory minimum wages , including criteria and indicators to assess adequacy , regular and timely updates and the involvement of social partners. a timely and effective involvement of the latter is another element of good governance that allows for an informed and inclusive decision-making process.


### (21) minimum wages are considered adequate if they are fair in relation to the wage distribution in the country and if they provide a decent standard of living. the adequacy of statutory minimum wages is determined in view of the national socio-economic conditions , including employment growth , competitiveness as well as regional and sectoral developments. their adequacy should be assessed at least in relation to their purchasing power , to the productivity developments and to their relation to the gross wage levels , distribution and growth. the use of indicators commonly used at international level , such as 60% of the gross median wage and 50% of the gross average wage , can help guide the assessment of minimum wage adequacy in relation to the gross level of wages. ### (21) minimum wages are considered adequate and fair if they improve wage distribution in the country and if they provide a decent standard of living for workers and their families. the adequacy of statutory minimum wages is determined in view of the national socio-economic conditions , including employment growth , competitiveness as well as regional and sectoral developments. their adequacy should be assessed at least in relation to their purchasing power , their relation to the gross wage levels , distribution and growth. the internationally recognised level of 60% of the gross median wage and 50% of the gross average wage , can help guide the assessment of minimum wage adequacy in relation to the gross level of wages.


### (22) to promote adequacy of minimum wages for all groups of workers , variations and deductions from statutory minimum wages should be limited to a minimum , while ensuring that social partners are duly consulted in their definition. some deductions to statutory minimum wages may be justified by a legitimate aim , including overstated amounts paid or deductions ordered by a judicial authority. others , such as deductions related to the equipment necessary to perform a job or deductions of allowances in kind , such as accommodation , may be unjustified or disproportionate. ### (22) some deductions to statutory minimum wages may be justified by a legitimate aim , including overstated amounts paid or deductions ordered by a judicial authority. others , such as deductions related to the equipment necessary to perform a job or deductions of allowances in kind , such as accommodation , may be unjustified or disproportionate.


### (22) to promote adequacy of minimum wages for all groups of workers , variations and deductions from statutory minimum wages should be limited to a minimum , while ensuring that social partners are duly consulted in their definition. some deductions to statutory minimum wages may be justified by a legitimate aim , including overstated amounts paid or deductions ordered by a judicial authority. others , such as deductions related to the equipment necessary to perform a job or deductions of allowances in kind , such as accommodation , may be unjustified or disproportionate. ### (22) to promote adequacy of minimum wages for all groups of workers , variations and deductions from statutory minimum wages should be limited to a minimum , while ensuring that social partners are duly consulted in their definition. some deductions to statutory minimum wages may be justified by a legitimate aim , including overstated amounts paid or deductions ordered by a judicial authority.


### (25) reliable monitoring and data collection are key to ensure the effective protection of minimum wages. the commission should report every year to the european parliament and to the council its assessment of developments in the adequacy and coverage of minimum wages on the basis of annual data and information to be provided by member states. in addition , progress should be monitored in the framework of the process of economic and employment policy coordination at union level. in that context , the employment committee should examine every year the situation in the member states on the basis of the reports produced by the commission and other multilateral surveillance tools such as benchmarking. ### (25) reliable monitoring and data collection are key to ensure the effective protection of minimum wages. the commission should report every year to the european parliament and to the council its assessment of developments in the adequacy and coverage of minimum wages on the basis of annual data and information to be provided by member states. the employment committee should examine every year the situation in the member states on the basis of the reports produced by the commission and other multilateral surveillance tools such as benchmarking.


### (25) reliable monitoring and data collection are key to ensure the effective protection of minimum wages. the commission should report every year to the european parliament and to the council its assessment of developments in the adequacy and coverage of minimum wages on the basis of annual data and information to be provided by member states. in addition , progress should be monitored in the framework of the process of economic and employment policy coordination at union level. in that context , the employment committee should examine every year the situation in the member states on the basis of the reports produced by the commission and other multilateral surveillance tools such as benchmarking. ### (25) reliable monitoring and data collection are key to ensure the effective protection of minimum wages. the commission should report regularly every three years to the european parliament and to the council its assessment of developments in the adequacy and coverage of minimum wages on the basis of data and information to be provided by member states every three years. in addition , progress should be monitored in the framework of the process of economic and employment policy coordination at union level. in that context , the employment committee should examine every year the situation in the member states on the basis of the reports produced by the commission and take into account the data provided by the member states as well as commission recommendations in the context of the european semester.


### (28) the reforms and measures adopted by the member states to promote adequate minimum wage protection of workers , while being steps in the right direction , have not been comprehensive and systematic. moreover , individual countries may be little inclined to improve the adequacy and coverage of minimum wages because of the perception that this could negatively affect their external cost competitiveness. since the objectives of this directive cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states , but can rather , by reason of their scale and effects , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on the european union. in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives. ### (28) the reforms and measures adopted by the member states to promote adequate minimum wage protection of workers are steps in the right direction. without prejudice to the question of the union's competence to legislate in this area , the principle of subsidiarity of article 5 of the treaty on european union requires the directive to regulate only that which , by reason of its scale or effects , cannot be sufficiently regulated by the member states.


### (28) the reforms and measures adopted by the member states to promote adequate minimum wage protection of workers , while being steps in the right direction , have not been comprehensive and systematic. moreover , individual countries may be little inclined to improve the adequacy and coverage of minimum wages because of the perception that this could negatively affect their external cost competitiveness. since the objectives of this directive cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states , but can rather , by reason of their scale and effects , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on the european union. in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives. ### (28) the reforms and measures adopted by the member states to promote adequate minimum wage protection of workers have been very different. the objectives of this directive can be sufficiently achieved by the member states. in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in article 5 of the treaty on the european union , this directive should not go beyond what is necessary in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity.


### (28) the reforms and measures adopted by the member states to promote adequate minimum wage protection of workers , while being steps in the right direction , have not been comprehensive and systematic. moreover , individual countries may be little inclined to improve the adequacy and coverage of minimum wages because of the perception that this could negatively affect their external cost competitiveness. since the objectives of this directive cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states , but can rather , by reason of their scale and effects , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on the european union. in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives. ### (28) the reforms and measures adopted by the member states to promote adequate minimum wage protection of workers , while being steps in the right direction , have not been comprehensive and systematic. since the objectives of this directive cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states , but can rather , by reason of their scale and effects , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on the european union. in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives.


### (30) in implementing this directive member states should avoid imposing administrative , financial and legal constraints in a way which would hold back the creation and development of micro , small and medium-sized enterprises. member states are therefore invited to assess the impact of their transposition act on small and medium-sized enterprises in order to ensure that they are not disproportionately affected , giving specific attention to micro-enterprises and to the administrative burden , and to publish the results of such assessments. if found that micro , small and medium-sized enterprises are disproportionately affected , member states should consider introducing measures to support these enterprises to adjust their remuneration structures to the new requirements. ### (30) in implementing this directive member states should avoid imposing administrative , financial and legal constraints in a way which would hold back the creation and development of micro , small and medium-sized enterprises. member states are therefore invited to assess the impact of their transposition act on small and medium-sized enterprises in order to ensure that they are not disproportionately affected , giving specific attention to micro-enterprises and to the administrative burden , and to publish the results of such assessments. if found that micro , small and medium-sized enterprises are disproportionately affected , the commission should consider changing the content of this directive in order to make it less bureaucratic.


### (31) the technical support instrument43 and the european social fund plus44 are available to member states to develop or improve the technical aspects of minimum wage frameworks , including on assessment of adequacy , monitoring and data collection , broadening access , as well as on enforcement and on general capacity building related to the implementation of said frameworks. ### deleted


### setting adequate levels of minimum wages; ### establishing adequate minimum wage procedures;


### access of workers to minimum wage protection , in the form of wages set out by collective agreements or in the form of a statutory minimum wage where it exists. ### access of workers to minimum wage protection , in the form of wages set out by national , collective agreements , or in the form of a statutory minimum wage where it exists.


### this directive shall be without prejudice to the full respect of the autonomy of social partners , as well as their right to negotiate and conclude collective agreements. ### this directive shall be without prejudice to the full respect of the autonomy of social partners , as well as their right to negotiate and conclude collective agreements. it shall furthermore respect relevant national competences and not introduce universal obligations.


### 2. this directive shall be without prejudice to the choice of the member states to set statutory minimum wages or promote access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements. ### 2. this directive shall apply to all workers in the union who have an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by national law , national collective agreements or practices in force in each member state.


### 2. member states where collective bargaining coverage is less than 70% of the workers defined within the meaning of article 2 shall in addition provide for a framework of enabling conditions for collective bargaining , either by law after consultation of the social partners or by agreement with them , and shall establish an action plan to promote collective bargaining. the action plan shall be made public and shall be notified to the european commission. ### deleted


### 1. member states with statutory minimum wages shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the setting and updating of statutory minimum wages are guided by criteria set to promote adequacy with the aim to achieve decent working and living conditions , social cohesion and upward convergence. member states shall define those criteria in accordance with their national practices , either in relevant national legislation , in decisions of the competent bodies or in tripartite agreements. the criteria shall be defined in a stable and clear way. ### 1. member states with statutory minimum wages shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the setting and updating of statutory minimum wages are guided by criteria set to promote adequacy with the aim to achieve decent working and living conditions , social cohesion and upward convergence , provided they enable development of the excellence and meritocracy characteristic of promotion of betterment and continual professional development. member states shall define those criteria in accordance with their national practices , either in relevant national legislation , in decisions of the competent bodies or in tripartite agreements. the criteria shall be defined in a stable and clear way.


### 2. the national criteria referred to in paragraph 1 shall include at least the following elements: ### 2. the national criteria referred to in paragraph 1 may include at least two of the following elements:


### 5. member states shall establish consultative bodies to advise the competent authorities on issues related to statutory minimum wages. ### deleted


### 5. member states shall establish consultative bodies to advise the competent authorities on issues related to statutory minimum wages. ### 5. member states shall offer consultancy services , either through the government or through social partners , on issues related to statutory minimum wages.


### variations and deductions ### equal treatment , variations and deductions


### 1. member states may allow different rates of statutory minimum wage for specific groups of workers. member states shall keep these variations to a minimum , and ensure that any variation is non-discriminatory , proportionate , limited in time if relevant , and objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim. ### 1. member states may allow different rates of statutory minimum wage for specific groups of workers. member states shall keep these variations to a minimum , and ensure that any variation is non-discriminatory , proportionate , limited in time if relevant , and objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim , provided it meets the required criteria of excellence and meritocracy.


### 1. member states may allow different rates of statutory minimum wage for specific groups of workers. member states shall keep these variations to a minimum , and ensure that any variation is non-discriminatory , proportionate , limited in time if relevant , and objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim. ### 1. member states may allow different rates of statutory minimum wage for specific groups of workers. member states shall ensure that any variation is non-discriminatory , proportionate , limited in time if relevant , and objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim.


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the social partners are involved in a timely and effective manner in statutory minimum wage setting and updating , including through participation in consultative bodies referred to in article 5(5) and notably as concerns: ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the social partners are involved in a timely and effective manner in statutory minimum wage setting and updating , in particular as concerns:


### 2. member states shall report the following data to the commission on an annual basis , before 1 october of each year: ### 2. member states shall report the following data to the commission every three years:


### the level of the statutory minimum wage and the share of workers covered by it; ### the way in which the statutory minimum wage has been determined ,


### (ii) the existing variations and the share of workers covered by them; ### deleted


### (iii) the existing deductions; ### deleted


### the distribution in deciles of such wages weighted by the share of covered workers; ### the share of covered workers;


### (iii) the level of wages for workers not having minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements and its relation to the level of wages of workers having such minimum protection. ### deleted


### member states shall provide the statistics and information referred to in this paragraph disaggregated by gender , age , disability , company size and sector. ### member states shall provide the statistics and information referred to in this paragraph disaggregated , as far as possible , by gender , age , disability , company size and sector.


### the commission may request member states to provide further information on a case by case basis where it considers such information necessary for monitoring the effective implementation of this directive. ### deleted


### 4. the commission shall assess the data transmitted by the member states in the reports referred to in paragraph 2 , and shall report annually to the european parliament and to the council. ### 4. the commission shall assess the data transmitted by the member states in the reports referred to in paragraph 2 , and shall submit a report to the european parliament and to the council.


### 5. on the basis of the report issued by the commission , the employment committee set up in accordance with article 150 tfeu shall carry out every year an examination of the promotion of collective bargaining on wage setting and of the adequacy of minimum wages in the member states. ### 5. on the basis of the report issued by the commission , the employment committee set up in accordance with article 150 tfeu shall carry out regularly , every three years , an examination of the promotion of collective bargaining on wage setting and of the adequacy of minimum wages in the member states.


### a. whereas , according to article 8 tfeu , the union is to aim to eliminate inequalities , and to promote equality , between men and women , thereby establishing the principle of gender mainstreaming; ### a. whereas , according to article 8 tfeu , the union is to aim to eliminate inequalities , and to promote equality , between men and women;


### b. whereas women are disproportionately affected by the covid-19 pandemic , particularly women working in precarious employment , feminised sectors and the informal economy; ### b. whereas women are affected just like men by the covid-19 pandemic ,;


### 1. recalls that the european institute for gender equality (eige) was established in order to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality in the union; ### 1. recalls that the european institute for gender equality (eige) was established in order to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of equality between men and women in the union;


### 1. recalls that the european institute for gender equality (eige) was established in order to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality in the union; ### 1. recalls that the european institute for gender equality (eige) was established in order to ensure fundamental rights such as the equality of men and women in their dignity;


### 1. recalls that the european institute for gender equality (eige) was established in order to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality in the union; ### 1. recalls that the european institute for gender equality (eige) was to ensure fundamental rights such as the equality of men and women in their dignity;


### 2. welcomes the ongoing cooperation between the eige and the committee on women’s rights and gender equality (femm); ### 2. welcomes the ongoing cooperation between the eige and the commission on women's rights and gender equality (femm) that should be based on the understanding of equality between men and women with sex difference;


### 2. welcomes the ongoing cooperation between the eige and the committee on women’s rights and gender equality (femm); ### 2. the cooperation between the eige and the committee on women’s rights and gender equality (femm) understood as equality between man and woman with sex difference;


### — having regard to the beijing declaration and platform for action adopted by the fourth world conference on women on 15 september 1995 and to the subsequent outcome documents adopted at the united nations beijing+5 , +10 , +15 and +20 special sessions , ### deleted


### — having regard to the commission communication of 5 march 2020 entitled ‘a union of equality: gender equality strategy 2020-2025’ (com(2020)0152) , ### deleted


### — having regard to the commission staff working document of 5 march 2021 entitled ‘2021 report on gender equality in the eu’ (swd(2021)55) , ### deleted


### — having regard to the 2019 and 2020 gender equality index of the european institute for gender equality , ### deleted


### — having regard to its resolution of 14 june 2017 on the need for an eu strategy to end and prevent the gender pension gap , ### deleted


### — having regard to the report of the committee on women’s rights and gender equality (a9-0000/2021) , ### deleted


### a. whereas gender equality in the eu has not yet been achieved and progress in this direction has recently been slowing down , stagnating or even regressing in certain regions and countries; whereas the struggle for gender equality and the promotion and protection of women’s rights is a truly collective responsibility; ### a. whereas equality before the law between men and women has been achieved in the european union;


### a. whereas gender equality in the eu has not yet been achieved and progress in this direction has recently been slowing down , stagnating or even regressing in certain regions and countries; whereas the struggle for gender equality and the promotion and protection of women’s rights is a truly collective responsibility; ### a. whereas gender equality in the eu has not yet been achieved; whereas the struggle for gender equality and the promotion and protection of women’s rights is a truly collective responsibility;


### b. whereas , although female employment rates have risen , gender inequality on the labour market remains a fact of life; whereas the employment gap is particularly high in the case of single mothers , female caregivers , women with disabilities , women from ethnic minorities , migrant and refugee women , lbtiq+ women and young and elderly women; ### b. whereas female employment rates have risen in the labour market;


### c. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing gender inequalities in almost every walk of life; ### c. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has posed a challenge that has affected the everyday life of all people around the world;


### c. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing gender inequalities in almost every walk of life; ### c. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing gender inequalities ;


### d. whereas violence against women may be of differing appearance , intensity and form; whereas a society free of violence must be acknowledged as an absolute prerequisite for equality; ### d. whereas violence against women may be of differing appearance , intensity and form; whereas fighting the violence and its causes and supporting its victims is an absolute prerequisite for equality;


### d. whereas violence against women may be of differing appearance , intensity and form; whereas a society free of violence must be acknowledged as an absolute prerequisite for equality; ### d. whereas violence against women and men may be of differing appearance , intensity and form; whereas a society free of violence must be acknowledged as necessary to achieve equality;


### e. whereas women in the eu are more severely affected by poverty or social exclusion than men , being systematically placed at a disadvantage by structural and cultural factors; ### e. whereas women in the eu are more severely affected by poverty or social exclusion than men , being systematically placed at a disadvantage by structural and cultural factors , such as family honour , child marriage , female genital mutilation , trafficking in human beings and sexual violence;


### e. whereas women in the eu are more severely affected by poverty or social exclusion than men , being systematically placed at a disadvantage by structural and cultural factors; ### e. whereas women in the eu are more severely affected by poverty or social exclusion than men;


### e. whereas women in the eu are more severely affected by poverty or social exclusion than men , being systematically placed at a disadvantage by structural and cultural factors; ### e. whereas there are women and men in the eu who are affected by poverty or social exclusion;


### f. whereas the eu gender pay gap is 16% , with variations between the member states; whereas this gender pay gap has a number of implications , not least a 37% difference in corresponding pension entitlements , placing older women at greater risk of poverty and social exclusion; whereas the right to equal pay for equal work is not always guaranteed and remains one of the biggest challenges to be met in efforts to combat pay discrimination; ### f. whereas gender inequality would have s a number of implications , not least a difference in corresponding pension entitlements , placing older women at greater risk of poverty and social exclusion; whereas the right to equal pay for equal work is not always guaranteed and remains one of the biggest challenges to be met in efforts to combat pay discrimination;


### g. whereas their role as primary caregivers within the family imposes a disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work on women , who play a vital role in this respect; ### g. whereas their work as primary caregivers within the family plays a vital role in this respect;


### g. whereas their role as primary caregivers within the family imposes a disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work on women , who play a vital role in this respect; ### g. whereas their role as primary caregivers within the family imposes a disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work on women;


### h. whereas eu neoliberal policies are , in the long term , contributing to gender inequality , with women being disproportionately affected by rising unemployment , deregulation of the labour market and of working hours , increased precariousness and low pay , not to mention multiple forms of inequality and discrimination resulting from cuts to public services , particularly health , education and welfare benefits; ### deleted


### h. whereas eu neoliberal policies are , in the long term , contributing to gender inequality , with women being disproportionately affected by rising unemployment , deregulation of the labour market and of working hours , increased precariousness and low pay , not to mention multiple forms of inequality and discrimination resulting from cuts to public services , particularly health , education and welfare benefits; ### h. whereas authoritarian progressive eu policies are , in the long term , contributing to inequality between men and women by increasing unemployment , deregulation of the labour market and of working hours , increased precariousness and low pay , not to mention multiple forms of inequality and discrimination resulting from cuts to public services , particularly ideological interference in and manipulation of health , education and welfare benefits;


### 1. stresses that respect for the right to work is an essential precondition if women are effectively to enjoy equal rights , economic independence and career fulfilment and therefore insists that precarious employment should be eradicated through mandatory compliance with the principle that every permanent job must entail an effective employment relationship with recognition and enhancement of rights at the workplace; ### 1. stresses that respect for the right to work is an essential precondition if women are effectively to enjoy equal rights , economic independence and career fulfilment. however , emphasises that employment and labour market policies lies within the exclusive competence of each member state;


### 1. stresses that respect for the right to work is an essential precondition if women are effectively to enjoy equal rights , economic independence and career fulfilment and therefore insists that precarious employment should be eradicated through mandatory compliance with the principle that every permanent job must entail an effective employment relationship with recognition and enhancement of rights at the workplace; ### 1. stresses that respect for the right to work is an essential precondition if women and men are effectively to enjoy equal rights; precarious employment should be eradicated through mandatory compliance with the principle that every permanent job must entail an effective employment relationship with recognition and enhancement of rights at the workplace;


### 1. stresses that respect for the right to work is an essential precondition if women are effectively to enjoy equal rights , economic independence and career fulfilment and therefore insists that precarious employment should be eradicated through mandatory compliance with the principle that every permanent job must entail an effective employment relationship with recognition and enhancement of rights at the workplace; ### 1. stresses that respect for the right to work is an essential precondition if women are effectively to enjoy equal rights , economic independence and career fulfilment and therefore insists that precarious employment should be reduced where possible; notes , however , that it is not possible to provide for permanent work contracts in every circumstance;


### 2. calls on the member states to take practical measures to ensure that women have equal access to work with rights and decent pay; stresses the need to promote collective bargaining as a determining factor in reversing and overcoming inequality and tackling discrimination against women and calls for de jure and de facto compliance with the principle of equal pay for equal work of equal value; ### 2. calls on the member states to take practical measures to ensure that women have equal access to work with rights and decent pay; calls for de jure and de facto compliance with the principle of equal pay for equal work of equal value;


### 2. calls on the member states to take practical measures to ensure that women have equal access to work with rights and decent pay; stresses the need to promote collective bargaining as a determining factor in reversing and overcoming inequality and tackling discrimination against women and calls for de jure and de facto compliance with the principle of equal pay for equal work of equal value; ### 2. calls on the member states to take practical measures to ensure that women and men have equal access to work with rights and decent pay; stresses the need to promote the overcoming of inequality and tackling discrimination against women and men and calls for de jure and de facto compliance with the principle of equal pay for equal work of equal value;


### 3. urges member states to impose firm measures , including sanctions , where businesses fail to comply with labour legislation and where they actually encourage gender discrimination; ### deleted


### 3. urges member states to impose firm measures , including sanctions , where businesses fail to comply with labour legislation and where they actually encourage gender discrimination; ### 3. urges member states to impose firm measures , including sanctions , where businesses fail to comply with labour legislation and where they actually encourage discrimination both against women and against men;


### 4. calls on the eu and its member states to further underpin maternity and paternity entitlements , for example by increasing periods of full leave with no loss of pay , taking into account the world health organization recommendation that children be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives; calls for the right to a reduction in working hours following maternity leave to be guaranteed in practice , enabling mothers to breastfeed their children until they are at least two years old , accompanied by investment in a public network of free childcare and education services; ### 4. encourages the member states to further underpin maternity and paternity entitlements , taking into account the world health organization recommendation that children be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives; emphasises the importance of investment in childcare and education services;


### 4. calls on the eu and its member states to further underpin maternity and paternity entitlements , for example by increasing periods of full leave with no loss of pay , taking into account the world health organization recommendation that children be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives; calls for the right to a reduction in working hours following maternity leave to be guaranteed in practice , enabling mothers to breastfeed their children until they are at least two years old , accompanied by investment in a public network of free childcare and education services; ### 4. calls on the eu to propose to its member states that maternity and paternity entitlements be guaranteed , for example by increasing periods of full leave with no loss of pay in those countries which have limited maternity leave , taking into account the world health organization recommendation that children be preferably breastfed for the first six months of their lives; calls for the promotion of the right to a reduction in working hours following maternity leave , enabling mothers to breastfeed their children until they are at least two years old and to be present during their children's early childhood , as well as to encourage a network of high-quality childcare and education services accessible to those in need of childcare support;


### 4. calls on the eu and its member states to further underpin maternity and paternity entitlements , for example by increasing periods of full leave with no loss of pay , taking into account the world health organization recommendation that children be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives; calls for the right to a reduction in working hours following maternity leave to be guaranteed in practice , enabling mothers to breastfeed their children until they are at least two years old , accompanied by investment in a public network of free childcare and education services; ### 4. calls on the eu and its member states to further underpin maternity and paternity entitlements , for example by increasing periods of full leave with no loss of pay , taking into account the world health organization recommendation that children be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives; calls for a review of existing polices to better enable willing mothers to breastfeed their children until they are at least two years old , accompanied by investment in a public network of free childcare and education services;


### 5. calls for measures to achieve work , employee and pay enhancement , effectively combat joblessness and promote full employment; calls for the creation and promotion of employment with rights , the defence of collective bargaining , the revitalisation of public sector employment and an end to job insecurity; calls in addition for a reduction in working hours without loss of pay; ### deleted


### 5. calls for measures to achieve work , employee and pay enhancement , effectively combat joblessness and promote full employment; calls for the creation and promotion of employment with rights , the defence of collective bargaining , the revitalisation of public sector employment and an end to job insecurity; calls in addition for a reduction in working hours without loss of pay; ### 5. calls for measures to achieve work , employee and pay enhancement , effectively combat joblessness and promote full employment; calls for the creation and promotion of employment with rights , the defence of collective bargaining , the revitalisation of public sector employment and an end to job insecurity;


### 5. calls for measures to achieve work , employee and pay enhancement , effectively combat joblessness and promote full employment; calls for the creation and promotion of employment with rights , the defence of collective bargaining , the revitalisation of public sector employment and an end to job insecurity; calls in addition for a reduction in working hours without loss of pay; ### 5. calls for measures to achieve work , employee and pay enhancement , effectively combat joblessness and promote full employment; however , notes that the creation and promotion of employment , collective bargaining , public sector employment and working hours falls under labour market policies which is , and ought to remain , a national competence;


### 6. stresses the urgent need to counter the exploitation of women at work and combat the inequalities , discrimination and violence affecting them; ### 6. stresses the urgent need to counter the exploitation of women at work and combat the inequalities , discrimination , harassment and violence affecting them;


### 6. stresses the urgent need to counter the exploitation of women at work and combat the inequalities , discrimination and violence affecting them; ### 6. stresses the urgent need to counter the exploitation of people at work and combat the inequalities , discrimination and violence affecting them;


### 7. calls for women who suffer domestic violence to be afforded proper protection , ensuring the deployment of increased resources and more effective responses by the state; ### 7. calls for those who suffer domestic violence to be afforded proper protection , ensuring the deployment of increased resources and more effective responses by the state;


### 8. stresses that prostitution constitutes a serious form of violence and exploitation affecting mostly women and children; notes that the root causes of prostitution are inextricably intertwined with social and economic realities , particularly unemployment , financial need and poverty; stresses the need for member states to increase funding for social support and access to public services for victims of trafficking or sexual exploitation; ### 8. stresses that trafficking constitutes a serious form of violence and exploitation affecting mostly women and children; stresses the need for member states to increase funding for social support and access to public services for victims of trafficking or sexual exploitation;


### 8. stresses that prostitution constitutes a serious form of violence and exploitation affecting mostly women and children; notes that the root causes of prostitution are inextricably intertwined with social and economic realities , particularly unemployment , financial need and poverty; stresses the need for member states to increase funding for social support and access to public services for victims of trafficking or sexual exploitation; ### 8. stresses that prostitution constitutes a serious form of violence and exploitation affecting mostly women and children; notes that the root causes of prostitution are inextricably intertwined with social and economic realities , particularly unemployment , financial need and poverty; stresses the need for member states to increase social support and access to public services for the prevention of trafficking or sexual exploitation and for caring for its victims and to strengthen the fight against organised mafias;


### 9. applauds the unambiguous defence of all freedoms anywhere in the world , while condemning measures that undermine rights , freedoms and guarantees and deprecating all forms of prejudice , including discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation; ### deleted


### 9. applauds the unambiguous defence of all freedoms anywhere in the world , while condemning measures that undermine rights , freedoms and guarantees and deprecating all forms of prejudice , including discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation; ### 9. applauds the defence of all freedoms anywhere in the world , while condemning measures that undermine rights , freedoms and guarantees and deprecating all forms of prejudice;


### 10. stresses that any strategy designed to achieve equality must get to grips with all forms of violence against women , including the erosion of healthcare entitlements and sexual and reproductive rights acquired by women and infringements thereof; ### 10. stresses that any strategy designed to achieve equality must get to grips with all forms of violence;


### 11. stresses that access to sexual , reproductive and other forms of healthcare for women is a fundamental right that must be underpinned and may not be in any way watered down or withdrawn; ### deleted


### 11. stresses that access to sexual , reproductive and other forms of healthcare for women is a fundamental right that must be underpinned and may not be in any way watered down or withdrawn; ### 11. stresses that access to gynaecological and obstetric healthcare for women , in full respect for the life of the unborn , is a fundamental right that must be underpinned and may not be in any way watered down or withdrawn;


### 12. stresses the need for member states to adopt a policy placing special emphasis on improved public health and the prevention of disease by guaranteeing free , universal and high-quality healthcare and ensuring the availability of the necessary resources to combat the main public health problems; ### 12. stresses the need for member states to adopt a policy placing special emphasis on improved public health and the prevention of disease by guaranteeing accessible and high-quality healthcare and ensuring the availability of the necessary resources to combat the main public health problems;


### 13. stresses the need to create a public crèche and pre-school education network; points out that the provision of a universal public service that is genuinely accessible to all children and families wishing to avail themselves of it is an overarching social responsibility; ### 13. stresses the need to create a public crèche and pre-school education network; points out that the provision of a universal public or private service that is genuinely accessible to all children and families wishing to avail themselves of it is an overarching social responsibility;


### 13. stresses the need to create a public crèche and pre-school education network; points out that the provision of a universal public service that is genuinely accessible to all children and families wishing to avail themselves of it is an overarching social responsibility; ### 13. stresses the need to create a public crèche and pre-school education network; points out that the provision of a universal public service that is genuinely accessible to all children and families wishing to use it is an overarching social responsibility;


### 15. recognises that it is essential to ensure a broad set of effective economic and social measures to combat discriminatory attitudes and practices and enabling women to exercise their civic and political rights on an equal basis; ### 15. recognises that it is essential to counteract discriminatory attitudes and practices towards women , especially those in exposed positions such as politicians or journalists who often face discriminatory attitudes towards them;


### a. whereas the beijing declaration underlines the importance of women’s equal rights , opportunities and participation in decision-making; ### deleted


### b. whereas the eu’s gender action plan iii provides concrete tools and commitments to enhance the eu’s role in promoting gender equality; ### deleted


### 1. reiterates the importance of advancing gender equality and women’s rights , which are an integral component of human rights , democracy and the rule of law; ### 1. reiterates the importance of equality between men and women and that women's rights are an integral component of human rights , democracy and the rule of law;


### 2. deplores the rise of violence against women and girls worldwide; calls for greater and targeted action to combat femicide; ### 2. deplores the violence against women and girls worldwide; calls for greater and targeted action to combat any kind of violence;


### 2. underlines the importance of both the new neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) – global europe and the eu action plan on human rights and democracy 2020–2024 for this goal; recalls that the use of the rule of qualified majority voting within the council on human rights issues would result in a more effective and proactive eu foreign and security policy , and would strengthen cooperation on matters of key strategic interest for the eu , while reflecting its fundamental values; ### 2. underlines the importance of both the new neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) – global europe and the eu action plan on human rights and democracy 2020–2024 for this goal; recalls that a more effective and proactive eu foreign and security policy is needed , focused on cooperation on matters of key strategic interest for the eu , while reflecting its fundamental values;


### 5. calls on the member states and global actors to step up the fight against sexual exploitation , forced labour and human trafficking; ### 5. calls on the member states and global actors to step up the fight against sexual exploitation , forced labour and human trafficking , eliminating any legal loopholes , including the removal of any provisions that could allow or justify such exploitation , forced labour and trafficking;


### 7. regrets the fact that millions of girls worldwide do not have access to education; ### 7. regrets the fact that millions of girls worldwide do not have access to education ,in particular girls at risk of poverty or living in poverty and those who are more likely to experience early or forced marriage , and to ensure the well-being and development prospects of children and communities;


### 9. highlights that lgbtiq+ women face intersectional discrimination. ### deleted


### 32. welcomes the adoption of the eu global human rights sanctions regime (eu ghrsr-eu magnitsky act) as an essential addition to the eu’s human rights and foreign policy toolbox , which strengthens the eu’s role as a global human rights actor by allowing it to take restrictive measures against legal and natural persons involved in grave human rights violations in the world; condemns any arbitrary and unjustified retaliatory restrictive measures imposed on the eu or other entities as a response to the eu’s decisions under the eu ghrsr-eu magnitsky act; regrets the fact that the council has decided to apply unanimity instead of qualified majority voting when adopting sanctions on human rights issues; ### 32. welcomes the adoption of the eu global human rights sanctions regime (eu ghrsr-eu magnitsky act) as an essential addition to the eu’s human rights and foreign policy toolbox , which strengthens the eu’s role as a global human rights actor by allowing it to take restrictive measures against legal and natural persons involved in grave human rights violations in the world; condemns any arbitrary and unjustified retaliatory restrictive measures imposed on the eu or other entities as a response to the eu’s decisions under the eu ghrsr-eu magnitsky act; takes note of the fact that the council has decided to apply unanimity instead of qualified majority voting when adopting sanctions on human rights issues;


### 34. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants and refugees , and calls for the eu and its member states to fully uphold them in their cooperation with third countries , both in terms of the establishment of high legal standards and , equally importantly , their operationalisation in order to ensure the effective protection of these rights in practice; reiterates its call on the commission to carry out a review of the human rights impact of migration policy frameworks and of the eu’s cooperation on migration with third countries; underlines the risks related to informal arrangements on return and readmission , which are not subject to judicial scrutiny and therefore do not allow for effective redress for human rights violations suffered by migrants and asylum seekers; ### 34. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants and refugees , and calls for the eu and its member states to fully uphold them in their cooperation with third countries , both in terms of the establishment of high legal standards and , equally importantly , their operationalisation in order to ensure the effective protection of these rights in practice; reiterates its call on the commission to carry out a review of the human rights impact of migration policy frameworks and of the eu’s cooperation on migration with third countries; underlines the risks related to informal arrangements on return and readmission , which are not subject to judicial scrutiny and therefore do not allow for effective redress for human rights violations suffered by migrants and asylum seekers; is of an opinion that supporting peace , stability and economic wellbeing in potential states of origin is the best way of reducing the irregular migratory flows , that allows people to stay in their homeland; in this regards , calls on the european commission to study best ways of engagement with these countries wherever possible;


### 35. equally , calls for independent , effective mechanisms to monitor formal readmission agreements , both at the eu’s borders and in partner countries in order to ensure full respect for human rights , including the principle of non-refoulement; recalls that the right to asylum is guaranteed by article 18 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union; expresses its hope that the new pact on migration and asylum , including the new european union agency for asylum , will help the eu member states in creating efficient , properly functioning asylum systems , improving protection for asylum seekers and respecting the principles of the fair sharing of responsibility and solidarity among member states; reiterates the need for a european agreement on a humanitarian visa or on the use of the european temporary protection directive; ### 35. equally , calls for independent , effective mechanisms to monitor formal readmission agreements , both at the eu’s borders and in partner countries in order to ensure full respect for human rights , including the principle of non-refoulement; recalls that the right to asylum is guaranteed by article 18 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union; expresses its hope that the new pact on migration and asylum , including the new european union agency for asylum , will help the eu member states in creating efficient , properly functioning asylum systems;


### 12. given the fact that human rights dialogues are intended to be a central part of the eu’s foreign policy toolbox , highlights that they cannot be an end in themselves; therefore calls on the eeas and the council to strike a better balance between diplomacy , interests and values , more in line with the human rights objectives guiding the eu’s external action with a greater focus on a long-term perspective; ### 12. given the fact that human rights dialogues are intended to be a central part of the eu’s foreign policy toolbox , highlights that they cannot be an end in themselves; therefore calls on the eeas and the council to strike a better balance between diplomacy , interests and values , more in line with the human rights objectives guiding the eu’s external action with a greater focus on a long-term perspective; underlines that in order to avoid being accused of using double standards , the eu should only promote these values which lie within its competences in line with the lisbon treaty and avoid being vocal on subjects which remain within the sole remit of the member states , including the matters of conscience;


### 16. underlines that covid-19 has significantly strengthened the recent trends of authoritarian regimes weakening democracy; deplores the abuse of the epidemiological crisis by these regimes to further constrain the freedom of expression and of assembly through restricting the functioning of democratic institutions , the repression of dissent , including limiting media freedom both online and offline and targeting critics with defamation campaigns , the mass use of surveillance tools , disinformation campaigns , limiting access to information through blanket internet shutdowns , bandwidth throttling and content blocking , emergency measures implemented without clear criteria for their revocation and the restrictions placed on the democratic exercise of elections; ### 16. underlines that covid-19 has significantly strengthened the recent trends of authoritarian regimes weakening democracy; deplores the abuse of the epidemiological crisis by these regimes to further constrain the freedom of expression and of assembly through restricting the functioning of democratic institutions , the repression of dissent , including limiting media freedom both online and offline and targeting critics with defamation campaigns , the mass use of surveillance tools , disinformation campaigns , limiting access to information through blanket internet shutdowns , bandwidth throttling and content blocking , emergency measures implemented without clear criteria for their revocation and the restrictions placed on the democratic exercise of elections , as well as using selective access to healthcare as means of discrimination against parts of populations based on ethnicity , caste or religion;