EU nations overlook Ursula von der Leyen’s gender quota proposal

European Union (EU) countries have largely dismissed a proposal from European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen to enforce a gender quota for top positions within Brussels.

 The proposed quota aims to ensure an equal representation of men and women in the highest echelons of the EU’s administrative and political structures.

Most EU member states have ignored von der Leyen’s request, with a preference for nominating men to prominent roles, Caliber.Az reports via German media.

So far, only four countries — Croatia, Finland, Sweden, and Spain — have nominated women for the position of EU Commissioner. 

This stands in stark contrast to von der Leyen’s push for gender parity, which she had emphasized as a key element of her leadership.

The report suggests that this widespread reluctance to adopt the gender quota not only undermines von der Leyen’s initiative but also signifies an "unprecedented level of disrespect" toward her leadership. The lack of support from the majority of EU governments reflects a significant challenge for von der Leyen as she seeks to advance gender equality within the Commission.