Closing the gender care gap: better support for formal and informal carers

In a report adopted in plenary by 263 votes to 83 and with 154 abstentions, MEPs state that access to care is a fundamental right and urge EU countries to address gender inequality across all forms of care. MEPs advocate for a “care society” that prioritises home and community-based services, intergenerational solidarity, and independent living. Given demographic trends, they demand sustainable funding and a person-centred, rights-based approach.

Parliament is calling for a “European carers’ statute” to recognise care work and to set minimum standards across the EU. MEPs also want to make sure informal carers are recognised in pension schemes and social security systems.

Equal share of care duties

Care responsibilities should not fall disproportionately on women, MEPs say. Gender equality in caregiving requires the sharing of duties, accessible care services, equal pay, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements. Parliament calls for awareness campaigns to encourage men to take up an equal share of caregiving, boost women’s participation in the labour market, and challenge traditional gender stereotypes.

Non-EU workers in the care sector

Recognising that care work is done by both EU and non-EU workers, MEPs stress the need to prioritise domestic recruitment while tailoring immigration management to labour market needs. The recruitment of non-EU workers must happen through legal migration channels, combined with strong investment in training and integration. MEPs also strongly condemn all forms of undeclared work, exploitation and precarious employment.

European action plan

MEPs welcome the European Commission’s announcement that it will present a European “care deal” in 2027. They call for specific measures to help close the gender care gap and support formal and informal carers, with a focus on employment and training, including digital skills, social protection, childcare, and psychosocial support.

Quotes

Eleonora Meleti (EPP, Greece) rapporteur for the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, said: “There are 6.2 million formal carers and 53 million informal carers in the EU. They provide presence, patience, and a human touch. Today’s report finally recognises care as a pillar of our society and economy, not an invisible job that we take for granted. For professional caregivers, we want better working conditions, fair pay, and psychological support. We want flexible working conditions, and care leave for informal caregivers. The burden of caregiving still disproportionately falls on women, even as it should be the responsibility of all of us.”

Rosa Estaras Ferragut (EPP, Spain) rapporteur for the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, said: “Women continue to carry a disproportionate burden of both formal and informal care and spend 17 hours per week more than men on unpaid care work. This invisible work continues to fuel the wage gap and the pension gap. At the same time, professional care work remains undervalued and underfunded. Affordable, accessible, and high-quality care is a right for everyone, including people living in rural and remote areas. No one should reach old age without access to proper care. I welcome the announcement of a European care deal for 2027. This must become our roadmap for building a fairer and more caring Europe.”

Background

The work involved in providing care is often invisible and is carried out predominantly by women: 56% of women with children under 12 spend at least five hours per day on childcare, compared with 26% of men, according to the European Institute for Gender Equality.

On 5 March, the European Commission presented a gender equality strategy.