New EC does not meet von der Leyen’s goal of gender balance

Ursula von der Leyen, the first female President of the European Commission, faces a challenge in achieving gender parity in the new College of Commissioners. With proposed candidates indicating a low number of women, von der Leyen’s vision of equality seems distant. The current selection process could result in the lowest representation of women since 2004, with only 7 out of 27 commissioners potentially being female.

Member states have until August 30 to nominate their commissioner candidates. While some countries are considering female candidates, most are choosing men. Von der Leyen’s call for gender balance by submitting two candidates per state has not been widely embraced, with countries like Ireland defending their single nominations.

The selection process highlights the complex task of achieving gender balance in the College of Commissioners. Despite some countries nominating women, the overall trend leans towards male candidates. As von der Leyen aims for parity, the final composition of the Commission remains uncertain.