"The European Commission reports each year to the Spring European Council on developments towards gender equality in the EU Member States and presents future challenges and priorities. Equality between women and men is a fundamental right and a common principle of the European Union. The EU has made a major contribution to the advancement of women and the improvement of women’s and men’s lives through a substantial body of equal treatment legislation and the explicit integration of the gender dimension into EU policies and instruments. There is a positive trend towards a more gender-equal society and labour market, yet gender inequalities persist, mainly to the disadvantage of women." (Quoted from paper)