Advancing gender equality through EU law: A comprehensive review

This article offers a comprehensive review of the evolution and scope of the European Union’s (EU) legal framework and policy instruments aimed at mitigating gender disparities in employment, leadership, and care. This study employs a mixed approach, drawing on primary and secondary sources, and statistical data. It analyses EU initiatives and targets aimed at advancing gender equality across six selected Member States: France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Sweden. The results indicate that the evolution of EU regulations has played a substantial role in establishing minimum standards and encouraging convergence in narrowing gender gaps. However, despite this progress, implementation remains uneven, and structural inequalities persist. This review contributes to academic and policy debates by identifying both the achievements and limitations of EU gender equality law. It also offers insights for future legislative and institutional reforms.