Gender Equality Index 2025

Type of resource

Report / Index

Language

English

Geographical focus

European Union

Field

Gender equality / European Union

Built by

European Institute for Gender Equality

Access

Link to report and data

The Gender Equality Index 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of the state of gender equality across the European Union. With a score of 63.4 out of 100 in Germany, the Index shows uneven progress between Member States, ranging from 47.6 in Cyprus to 73.7 in Sweden. Based on updated indicators and new data sources, the report suggests that, at the current pace, full gender equality remains at least 50 years away.

A central finding of the Index is the persistent earnings gap between women and men. Across the EU, women earn on average only 77% of men’s annual income. As a result, women need to work an additional 15 months and 18 days to earn what men make in a single year. This period, referred to as the “ghost quarter”, represents time effectively worked without pay and has long-term consequences for pensions and lifetime income, while also reducing time available for care, education, training or rest.

The 2025 edition marks the first major methodological update to the Index since 2013. It introduces a stronger focus on individual data in the areas of money and time and offers improved coverage of emerging gender gaps. While the Index records notable progress in economic decision-making driven by legislative measures, many Member States show setbacks in health and education. The findings also reveal that despite shifting attitudes, traditional gender norms and biased perceptions continue to shape life at home, at work and in public life across the EU.