By June 7th 2026, European Union member States, Italy included, will have to bring into force laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with Directive (EU) 2023/970, aimed at strenghtening "the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms".

This directive is based on a very broad and varied framework of community regulations, that can carelessly be summarized by referring to the United Nations convention; the Treaty on European Union; the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU); the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; Directive 2006/54/EC.

They are all norms essentially aimed at eliminating gender pay discrimination (both direct and indirect) between men and women and promoting equality.

The community jurisprudence has also played a role in interpreting these notions, providing important assistance.

Why a new directive

The 2020 evaluation of the relevant provisions of Directive 2006/54/EC found that the application of the principle of equal pay is hindered by a:

• lack ...