On September 3, 2025, Eurofound published its “European Working Conditions Survey 2024.” The results show progress in almost all areas related to job quality since 2010, wider access to flexible working hours, an overall improvement in the quality of working time, and an increasing number of workers able to develop their skills and access training.

However, these overall improvements mask persistent difficulties, with gender disparities remaining one of the most significant challenges. This issue is also remaining within MET companies, where women continue to be underrepresented despite generally good working conditions.

This paper reviews the improvement in gender equality in the MET sector while noting the persistent underrepresentation of women in the industry. It argues that, beyond workplace improvements, action is needed atthe European level to address the structural roots of this imbalance, notably by making STEM education a policy priority in Member States. It also presents various recommendations for attracting women to the MET sector that need to be supported at the EU level.