European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen is determined to achieve gender equality in her executive Commission team despite facing resistance from some member states. The Commission, responsible for running the affairs of the EU, is currently composed of 21 men and 6 women, a ratio von der Leyen is working to change to ensure a more balanced representation.
Von der Leyen, who is preparing for her second five-year term, has been advocating for more women in decision-making positions throughout her political career. She has emphasized the importance of actively striving for gender parity, stating that it does not happen naturally and requires intentional effort.
In an attempt to address the gender imbalance in the Commission, von der Leyen has communicated to member states her expectation to have a choice between male and female candidates. While she lacks the legal authority to enforce a specific gender quota, she believes that advocating for diversity is essential in fostering a more inclusive and representative Commission.
Although von der Leyen has made progress in increasing the number of women in the Commission, she recognizes the challenges posed by national politics and the varying selection processes of member states. Despite these obstacles, she remains steadfast in her commitment to promoting gender equality and ensuring that competence remains a primary criterion in the selection of commissioners.
The EU has been regarded as a progressive force in addressing gender equality compared to other regions where male dominance in political institutions persists. Notable women in EU leadership include the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, in addition to Ursula von der Leyen.
As von der Leyen finalizes the composition of the Commission, the list of candidates will be presented to the European Parliament for approval. While no specific date has been set for the vote, discussions are expected to continue throughout September as lawmakers consider the nominees for the Commission.