” “The survey published by Eurostat found that "the fertility rate within the 27 EU member states has settled at 1.5 children per woman". But the figure varies considerably depending on the country: it is highest in France (1.92 children per woman), Ireland, Denmark, Finland and the United Kingdom; it is lowest in Greece, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia, and is the lowest ever in Poland (1.24). Then, the survey, announced just before 8th March, focuses on educational levels; within the EU, one quarter of men and women have a high-school certificate: the most educated women are in Finland (42% hold a diploma), Estonia, Denmark, while women have a lower level of education in the Czech Republic, Malta and Romania, where only 12% of women hold a diploma. The greatest gender differences can be found on the job market: as of 31st January 2007, the unemployment rate within the 27 EU member states was 6.7%, and 8.5% for women. The most remarkable differences in this area still to the disadvantage of women are found in Greece, Spain and the Czech Republic. Finally the statistics confirm that one third of working women have access to part-time contracts while only 7.7% of men do.” “
