End plates for an electrochemical cell with polymer electrolyte membrane

End plate arrangement for electrochemical cell of polymer electrolyte type, especially cell stack, includes: (a) plastics or metal end plate introduced into cell or cell stack under compressive force; (b) electrically conducting layer, on cell-facing surface of (a) and contacting externally accessible electrical connection; and (c) equilibration layer between (a) and (b), to equalize force introduced into cell (or cell stack) via surface.