Evaluating the application of the EU Directive on the equal treatment for men and women in social security

As country expert for Hungary, the Budapest Institute took part in the evaluation of the application of the EU Directive 79/7/EEC on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security. Based on desk research and  interviews with experts of relevant public bodies we found that overall the existing legislation complies with the principle of equal treatment of men and women. However, the disadvantages affecting women in the labour market (such as the gender gap in employment and wages, the shortcomings of work-care reconciliation policies, etc.) are translated into lower statutory social security provisions. As a result, women continue to face a disadvantage in the social security system. 

The Budapest Institute was subcontracted by Ernst & Young to conduct interviews and review the evaluation report on the application of the Directive in Hungary. This was part of a study covering all EU member states, commissioned by DG Justice of the European Commission.