EUROPE Von der Leyen wants a balanced gender ratio in the team
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to have as many women as men in her new leadership team. However, the key governments of the member states are not playing ball.
30.08.2024, 05:25
SDA
Von der Leyen's plans for a balanced gender ratio in her new team are in danger of failing due to a lack of cooperation from member states. Shortly before the nomination deadline this Friday, well over half of the governments have only proposed one male candidate for the College of Commissioners, according to research by the German Press Agency. As before, this is to consist of 27 members, whereby each member state may nominate one Commissioner and von der Leyen and the Foreign Affairs Commissioner Kaja Kallas, who has already been nominated, are included.
Only 12 women among 27 members
If there are no further changes to the nominations, the new College could end up consisting of around two thirds men. At present, 12 of the 27 Commissioners are women. Around 32,000 employees report to the leadership of the EU Commission, whose tasks include making proposals for new EU laws and monitoring compliance with the European treaties.
