The European Parliament has called for sweeping reforms to improve support for both formal and informal carers, warning that women continue to shoulder a disproportionate
share of care responsibilities across the EU.
In a report adopted on Thursday by 263 votes to 83, with 154 abstentions, Members of the European Parliament said access to care should be treated as a fundamental right and urged member states to tackle gender inequalities embedded in care systems.
MEPs backed the creation of a “care society” centred on home and community-based services, intergenerational solidarity and independent living. With Europe’s ageing population placing increasing pressure on care systems, lawmakers called for sustainable funding models and a person-centred approach grounded in human rights.
The Parliament also proposed a “European carers’ statute” aimed at formally recognising care work and introducing minimum standards across the bloc. Lawmakers said informal carers should be included in pension schemes and social security systems.
The report stresses that care duties should not fall primarily on women and calls for policies that encourage a more equal sharing of responsibilities between genders. Measures proposed include improved access to care services, equal pay, flexible working arrangements and stronger parental leave provisions.
MEPs also urged governments to launch awareness campaigns aimed at challenging traditional gender stereotypes and encouraging more men to take on caregiving responsibilities.
Addressing labour shortages in the care sector, lawmakers acknowledged the role played by both EU and non-EU workers. They called for member states to prioritise domestic recruitment while allowing legal migration pathways tailored to labour market needs. Investment in training and integration for non-EU workers was also highlighted as essential.
The report strongly condemns undeclared work, exploitation and precarious employment conditions within the care sector.
MEPs welcomed plans by the European Commission to present a European “care deal” in 2027 and called for targeted measures to support carers through employment initiatives, training opportunities, digital skills development, childcare provision, social protection and psychosocial support.
Eleonora Meleti (EPP, Greece) rapporteur for the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, said: “There are 6.2 million formal carers and 53 million informal carers in the EU. They provide presence, patience, and a human touch. Today’s report finally recognises care as a pillar of our society and economy, not an invisible job that we take for granted. For professional caregivers, we want better working conditions, fair pay, and psychological support. We want flexible working conditions, and care leave for informal caregivers. The burden of caregiving still disproportionately falls on women, even as it should be the responsibility of all of us.”
Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (EPP, Spain) rapporteur for the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, said: “Women continue to carry a disproportionate burden of both formal and informal care and spend 17 hours per week more than men on unpaid care work. This invisible work continues to fuel the wage gap and the pension gap. At the same time, professional care work remains undervalued and underfunded. Affordable, accessible, and high-quality care is a right for everyone, including people living in rural and remote areas. No one should reach old age without access to proper care. I welcome the announcement of a European care deal for 2027. This must become our roadmap for building a fairer and more caring Europe.”
According to the European Institute for Gender Equality, 56% of women with children under 12 spend at least five hours a day on childcare, compared with 26% of men.