POLITICS printable version

Swedish Presidency of the European Union

The presidency has published a website (http://www.se2009.eu/en). The site also provides a specific section on gender equality and non-discrimination. On the working agenda regarding Gender Equality are among others currently following issues:

· To push forward the anti-discrimination directive for equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in areas of society outside the field of employment.

· Self-employed activities directive and maternity leave directive; application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and assisting spouses, as well as on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood.

· Gender equality and growth (Lisbon post 2010): Planned is a next EU growth strategy which will follow the Lisbon strategy and ensure growth and development by making use of the potential of both women and men. Sweden will hold a conference in Stockholm in October aimed at strengthening the gender equality dimension. The conclusions from the conference and other relevant reports will provide the basis for Council conclusions that are expected to be adopted in December 2009.

· Council follow-up of UN action plan for gender equality (the Beijing Action Platform): The Council conducts an annual review of how the EU Member States and institutions are implementing their commitments under the 1995 UN action plan for gender equality, also known as the Beijing Action Platform. Sweden plans to compile a follow-up report in 2009 that will present developments in the EU over the past five years in the areas included in the Beijing Action Platform. The report will be discussed by the Council, which is expected to adopt Council conclusions in December.