Věra Flasarová, on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. – (CS) Ladies and gentlemen, as both the Lisbon Strategy and Mrs Estrela’s report make clear, an integrated community is based on freedom, solidarity and equality, yet there continues to be inequality between men and women in a number of areas. I wholeheartedly endorse calls for a narrowing of the pay gap between men and women and for European legislation to be implemented. I must warn, however, that women are disadvantaged not only in terms of salary, but are also often the victims of discrimination; employers are often insensitive towards pregnant women, for example. In the Czech Republic women have suffered what is referred to as silent discrimination. Employers often assume that pregnant women are weak and defenceless. Anti-discrimination laws intended to protect women have yet to be introduced in the Czech Republic. In some countries there is silent discrimination against employees particularly on the grounds of age, maternity, health and disability. The time has come for change.