Europe Can’t Lead If Its Leaders Aren’t Paid Equally: Equal Pay Day 2025

Equal Pay Day 2025 once again highlights a reality that should already belong to the past: women in the European Union continue to earn less than men for work of equal value.

The latest figures from Eurostat and the European Commission show that the overall gender pay gap remains around 12 percent — a number that has barely shifted in recent years.

Behind this average sits an uncomfortable truth: in positions of responsibility and leadership, the gap is likely wider, reflecting persistent structural barriers and unequal access to high-value roles.

Pay inequality at leadership level undermines organisational credibility, affects talent attraction and retention, and weakens Europe’s competitiveness at a time when stability, innovation and resilience are urgently needed.

It also sends a contradictory message to younger generations who expect equality to be the norm, not an exception.

CEC European Managers has long underlined that leadership has a decisive role in closing these gaps.

The ongoing rollout of the EU Pay Transparency Directive adds further momentum. As Member States continue their national transpositions, employers will soon face clearer obligations to monitor pay structures, address unjustified differences and engage with workers’ representatives when disparities persist.

Leaders and managers can strengthen a culture of fairness within their organisations and ensure that leadership practices reflect European values of equality and dignity at work.

Find more information here:

Understanding the gender pay gap: definition, facts and causes [+]