European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is pressuring individual EU countries to nominate women for commissioner posts in the new European Commission or replace already nominated male candidates to ensure gender equality, Politico reported on Tuesday, citing European officials.
“Ursula von der Leyen is increasing pressure on EU countries to nominate women to the next European Commission, as she strives to prevent the potential embarrassment of assembling a male-dominated team,” the publication writes.
According to three EU diplomats, von der Leyen has exerted pressure on at least five EU countries, including Malta and Slovenia. She has also called for the nomination of two potential commissioners, one male and one female, to choose from later.
At the same time, other sources note that European countries are ignoring the Commission President’s calls, thereby “challenging her authority.” For instance, one diplomat stated that Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela will not replace the country’s already nominated candidate with a woman, in order “not to undermine his authority.”
The newspaper highlights that if von der Leyen fails to achieve gender balance in the new European Commission, she will have failed to meet one of her goals, which she announced just a few months ago during the European elections.
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European lawmakers voted on July 18 to re-elect incumbent European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. By August 30, EU member states must submit their candidates for commissioner posts. The Commission President is asking countries to nominate both men and women to ensure a gender balance, except in cases where an incumbent commissioner remains in office.
