This time Ursula von der Leyen probably “loses the bet” for equal representation of men and women in the European Commission. Can she turn the tables? Already in 2019, when she was first elected to the presidency of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen had asked all member states to nominate a man and a woman as possible candidates. Thus, it would have the freedom to distribute the portfolios, respecting all the necessary criteria of political and geographical representation, but also ensuring that the European Commission will have an equal (or at least almost equal) number of men and women in its composition. Although she was appearing for the first time on the European political scene, the national governments respected Ursula von der Leyen’s wish. Thus, the Commission that took office on December 1, 2019 had 13 women (including herself) and 14 men.

Five years later, everything looks different. European governments are simply ignoring Ursula von der Leyen’s wish. By the end of August, only Bulgaria had named one man and one woman, as requested by the President of the Commission. Women candidates are promoted by Belgium, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden. Germany is naturally “represented” by von der Leyen herself.

The remaining 17 countries have nominated all men for the next European Commission. “Equal representation under your leadership was a breakthrough in governance, but now it is important to maintain this equal representation – especially at a time when women’s rights are under threat in many parts of the world,” warns the European Women’s Lobby in an open letter to Ursula von der Leyen last week.

Are women’s rights being undermined?

The behavior of the national governments “causes a shock”, Elizabeth Kuiper, executive of the European Policy Center in Brussels, points out to DW. As he emphasizes, the equal representation of men and women is not a matter of aesthetics, but “a matter of power and essential political action”. This is evidenced by the fact that the first von der Leyen Commission had undertaken specific initiatives to combat gender-based violence, strengthen the role of women in politics, but also eliminate the wage gap between men and women (according to data for 2021 average pay difference amounted to 12.7%).

For Elizabeth Kuiper, equal representation “also reflects the image of Europe on the international stage. It demonstrates that the EU is delivering on its declarations on diversity and inclusion. Frankly, the behavior of national governments shows a lack of political will and a willingness to downgrade women’s rights.”

So far Ursula von der Leyen has not commented publicly on the reluctance of national governments to name female candidates. A few days ago, however, the representative of the European Commission, Ariana Podesta, stated in Brussels that “the ambition of the president is clear, and she is doing everything she can to ensure an equal representation in the College of Commissioners and for the next term of the Commission”. .

The “veto” is a difficult case

The problem is that in reality Ursula von der Leyen does not have many possibilities to impose her will on the member states. Theoretically, of course, “he could exercise a veto on the current candidates, but this has never happened before and there are reasons why it has never happened before,” emphasizes Sofia Rusak, associate of the European Policy Center.

From there, the president of the Commission could request some “supplementary names of candidates” in order to make her final decisions. “The question is, however, if he really wants to enter this process,” points out Sofia Rusak. “Because in this case the start of the term for the new European Commission would be significantly delayed”.

Edited by: Yiannis Papadimitriou