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Making Women’s equality a key target of the EU’s “Europe 2020” strategy |
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 Speaking at a conference on “Women for a Better World” Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has called for Women's equality to be part of the EU's 'Europe 2020' strategy. He stressed that during its EU presidency, Spain would continue to support the inclusion of the "complete affirmation of equality between men and women" within the Union's new economic strategy. The aim was to increase the level of female employment to 70% by 2020 and to reduce the salary gap by as much as possible.
"When we encourage equality throughout the world, we are building a fairer future, and when we cut back on discrimination, we are gaining ground for the dignity of everyone," he said.
Spain’s EU Presidency's also plans to take decisive action against gender violence. Some of Spain's laws are unique in Europe, such as a law on comprehensive protection from gender violence, which has been in force since 2005.
During its EU presidency, Spain plans to promote initiatives such as an EU centre for monitoring gender violence, to gather Community-wide information and to diagnose the problem at European level. This should allow comprehensive solutions to be found.
Sources:
| Other articles in Eurostep Weekly 590, 29 March 2010: |
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Press Release
25 MARCH 2010
Ashton's proposal for the EEAS contradicts the intentions of the Treaty
In a press conference at the Council this afternoon, High representative Catherine Ashton has presented her proposal for the European External Action Service. We don't understand how this proposal has been put together. It seems that use of development funds are likely to be directed by political interest by the Union.
With the construction of the EEAS being proposed, it will be a mix of different policy interests, which will undermine the EU's role in the world. With regards to the transparency it is difficult to see how a service constructed in this way could work. Setting up the service in the way it is proposed today by HR Ashton it will create only fragmentation and confusion about accountablilities and responsibilities between the institutions and provides a perfect recipe for institutional conflict.
For more information please contact Verena Winkler or Simon Stocker
Please see the new Eurostep briefing paper on the EEAS:
Defining the EU’s Management and Implementation of its External Actions in Accordance with the Provisions of the Treaty
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