EU closes infringement proceedings over gender discrimination

The European Commission has closed infringement proceedings against Malta, Austria and Finland, over their failure to fully implement EU rules prohibiting discrimination in employment and occupation on the grounds of gender.

The Commission said the three countries had successfully brought national legislation into line with EU requirements.

Vladimír Špidla, EU Commissioner for Equal Opportunities, explained that the directive was crucial to tackling gender discrimination, an important goal of the European Union.

"I am happy to see that Austria, Finland and Malta have adapted their national laws to comply with EU norms following the Commission's legal action. We will continue our constructive dialogue with Germany and Portugal to achieve full compliance with the directive", the commissioner said.

Both Portugal and Germany have received reasoned opinions warning them to abide fully by the directive.