Europe needs more women at the top

3.18.55pm GMT Tue 11th Mar 2008

Once the new Treaty of Lisbon is ratified and enters into force a number of top jobs will become available, including the President of the European Council, President of the Commission, President of Parliament and the EU High Representative; whilst several names of potential candidates have already entered begun to circulate in the media, the absence of women is noticeable.

European Parliament Vice-President UK Liberal Democrat Diana Wallis and ALDE Vice-President, Karin Riis-Jorgensen from Denmark are urging Member States to actively seek out and put forward a number of candidates for these senior positions in EU institutions rather than presenting a fait accompli from an all-male list.

"The Lisbon Treaty contains many good points to improve the functioning of the EU institutions but it is also imperative that the institutions are run by competent individuals if we are to get the most out of Europe," said Riis-Jorgensen. "The future occupants of these positions should be chosen on merit from a good selection of qualified candidates that includes a fair balance of both men and women. There are plenty of qualified and experienced women who could and should be considered."

Supporting the initiative, Diana Wallis added: "Under the provisions of the new Treaty the European Parliament must confirm the appointments of at least three of the four top jobs - the Commission President, the High Representative and its own President. It will be looking for a good choice of candidates for all positions, not an 'A' list to be rubber-stamped."

"If there are no women proposed at all for any of the positions then one will have to question the sincerity of Member States' commitment to equality."