The European Parliament on Thursday adopted by a wide majority a report by Greek MEP Eleonora Meleti calling for a transition toward a “care society” and stronger measures to address persistent gender inequality in caregiving across the European Union.
The report, approved in plenary by 263 votes to 83 with 154 abstentions, highlights the unequal distribution of both formal and informal care work, which continues to fall disproportionately on women.
MEPs said access to care should be treated as a fundamental right and urged EU countries to expand home- and community-based services, improve pay and working conditions for professional carers and formally recognize informal caregivers in social security and pension systems.
The text also calls for flexible working arrangements, parental leave policies, skills certification and psychological and financial support for carers, alongside stronger action against undeclared work and labor exploitation in the sector.
Meleti said care must be treated as a shared social responsibility rather than an invisible burden. The Parliament also welcomed plans for a European “care deal” in 2027.
