Welcome to ERA – Academy of European Law

The principle of equality between women and men has been part of EU law since the signing of the Treaty of Rome in 1957. Since then, a considerable body of legislation has been adopted on matters such as equal treatment in employment and occupation, health protection in the context of maternity, parental leave or access to goods and services.

The seminar will provide an overview of the content of the gender equality Directives as interpreted by the European Court of Justice in its large case law on this topic. Certain key subjects and topical issues will be dealt with, such as the concepts of direct/indirect discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment; the burden of proof; the scope for positive action measures; the principle of equal pay for work of equal value; the protection of pregnant workers and the reconciliation of professional, private and family life.

Interaction among participants will be encouraged through periods of discussion and working groups requiring their active participation.

Participation is only open to legal practitioners (for example, from trade unions or employers’ associations, NGOs, labour inspectorates, equality bodies, etc.) from an EU Member State, EEA/EFTA country or EU candidate country.