BRUSSELS - Women's pensions are nearly 40 percent lower than the men's on average in the European Union, according to the European Commission's latest study released here on Monday.

The widest gender gaps in pension are found in Luxembourg and Germany, while Estonia and Slovakia have the lowest gaps. The study reveals that the effects of lower employment rates among women extend into their retirement age.

Marriage and motherhood can also increase the inequality as the gaps are narrower for single women. The data shows that having children can lead to pension disadvantages for women in nearly all member states.

The Commission has been trying to address gender inequality issues for years, in particular in the labor market, where women are often over-represented in lower paid sectors and under-presented in decision-making positions.