Equality Takes a Backseat in Von der Leyen’s New Commission
Press Release by the European Women’s Lobby
[Brussels, 17 September 2024]
This morning, President Ursula von der Leyen announced the composition of the new College of Commissioners, and what should have been a step forward for Europe has instead become a glaring disappointment. While progress was hoped for, what we received is an outdated approach to leadership that overlooks crucial values, most importantly equality and fair representation.
One of the most striking issues with the new line-up is the complete absence of a dedicated Commissioner for Equality, contrary to what was indicated in von der Leyen’s political guidelines. Instead, the important task of promoting equality across the EU has been reduced to a secondary portfolio handed to the Belgian nominee, Hadja Lahbib, who will also handle crisis management and preparedness. It is unacceptable that such a critical issue is treated as an afterthought while women’s rights and equality are experiencing setbacks all across the EU. How can we expect real, sustained progress on equality when it’s seen as just another line on a long list of priorities for one Commissioner already overloaded with other pressing issues? The European Commission needs to put the necessary means behind its proclaimed goals and ensure gender mainstreaming across all portfolios.
The lack of gender balance is also deeply troubling. Despite all the rhetoric on inclusion and equality, there are 16 men and only 11 women in the new Commission. In 2024, this is simply unacceptable. Women make up more than half of Europe’s population, yet they remain underrepresented in the most powerful decision-making body of the EU. This imbalance signals to the world that the European Commission is still not willing to commit fully to gender parity, even though diversity and representation are foundational principles for an inclusive, more just society.
Mary Collins, Secretary General of the European Women’s Lobby, strongly condemned this decision: “A dedicated Commissioner for Equality that was promised, as we had in the last term, is critical for advancing women’s rights and fostering a truly inclusive Europe. Equality cannot be treated as a secondary issue—it requires focused leadership and commitment at the highest levels."
Equality is not a side issue, and the fact that it’s being treated as such shows a deep disconnect between the Commission’s actions and the values it claims to uphold. We cannot afford to make equality a secondary concern when it affects the lives of millions across the continent. The new College of Commissioners should have been a chance to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to women’s rights and inclusion. Instead, this announcement leaves us questioning whether equality is truly a priority or just a talking point.
We now count on the European Parliament to play its part. They must ensure that equality is prioritised and upheld during the upcoming hearings and final approvals. The Parliament has a responsibility to challenge this imbalance and push for a Europe where equality and women’s rights are front and centre, not a footnote.
The time has come for a real, dedicated focus on equality, not as an afterthought, but as a core value that deserves its own dedicated leadership within the European Commission. Anything less is a failure to live up to the ideals that Europe stands for.
ENDS
The European Women’s Lobby is the largest umbrella organisation of women’s associations in Europe. Founded in 1990, the EWL works to promote women’s rights and equality between women and men and represents more than 2000 organisations across Europe.
Contact:
press@womenlobby.org
