The figures published come a day after 2013 European Equal Pay Day. The EU-wide event marks the extra number of days, since the start of the year, that women would need to work to match the amount earned by men: currently 59 days.
To help tackle the pay gap the EU Commission is highlighting a series of good practices by companies in Europe who are tackling the problem.
A Business Forum on 21 March 2013 in Brussels will bring together more than 150 companies from all over Europe to exchange experiences in fostering gender equality, in particular tackling the causes of the gender pay gap.
"European Equal Pay Day reminds us of the unequal pay conditions women still face in the labour market," said Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner.
She added: "While the pay gap has declined in the recent years, there's no reason to celebrate. The pay gap is still very large and much of the change actually resulted from a decline in men's earnings rather than an increase for women."
"The principle of equal pay for equal work is written in the EU Treaties since 1957. It is high time that it is put in practice everywhere. Let us work together to deliver results not only on Equal Pay Days, but on all 365 days a year."
