Women represent 51.2 per cent of the European population and yet only two out of three females (62.5 per cent) enjoy participation in the labour market.
Full time work equivalence is in an even worse situation - a third of all working women (32 per cent) have part time jobs compared to the eight per cent of men. Women earn less for the same job and the same hours - the average gender pay gap in the EU is still at 16 per cent.
At the same time, women live longer, are more and better educated, work almost as much as men do during their lifetimes (and even longer than men in some countries), but in the end face a staggering 39 per cent gender gap in pensions.
There are many more numbers to illustrate the reality of women in the European Union today, but the question remains - 'Is the current pace of 'progress' sufficient enough?'
"We lose around 12 per cent of GDP growth per year merely because fewer women work than men, while another two per cent of GDP is lost because of the gender pay gap"
Under current rates of advancement, it is estimated that it will take almost 30 years to reach the EU target of 75 per cent employment rate for women and men, 70 years to make equal payment a reality and 20 years to achieve gender balance in national parliaments. That sounds a bit late, doesn't it?
Looking from another perspective, gender equality is not only about the European Union's strategic objectives and women's rights anymore, it is an economic necessity, especially with the current stagnating economy in mind.
We lose around 12 per cent of GDP growth per year merely because fewer women work than men, while another two per cent of GDP is lost because of the gender pay gap. Gains in GDP from these areas could bring a big boost for our economies, create jobs, lower social expenses and inequalities, and ensure more efficient use of European talent pool.
Also, let's not forget that we need one million more specialists working in the sector of innovation and research in order for the EU to maintain its competitiveness in the world. This will be impossible without attracting more girls and women to the sciences and without ensuring gender balance in scientific institutions.
I believe the newly elected members of parliament and appointed commissioners will have a lot to think about, but there is no more time for that, nor is there for waiting on 'natural' progress.
Recent European election results have revealed that many Europeans are fed up with stagnation, slowness and endless discussions on topics most important for them; austerity, decline in social welfare and lack of progress has led to choices many Europeans might never have made otherwise.
It is necessary to resurrect the European idea and revive its values. The 2013 annual commission report on equality between women and men showed that it would take over 100 years to achieve gender equality in Europe, if policies remain unchanged.
I think everyone will agree that we cannot wait 100 years - there might be no trust left in the EU by then.
The current political elite have a chance to reduce the negative attitude towards the EU by making real progress. Women do not ask for the impossible – we merely need our political leadership to concentrate on achieving gender equality within the upcoming term of the EU mandate.
Today it is not only a necessity for women - it is a prerequisite for growth and stability for the European Union.