The Eurodiputados ask for greater equality in European companies

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The Eurodiputados of the Women’s Rights Commission of the European Parliament They have welcomed the infraction measures adopted by the European Commission against the Member States that do not apply the EU standards designed to Promote gender balance in the Administration Councils of companies, but it is necessary to take more measures, as they have told ‘Euronews’ key legislators.

An EU directive that stipulates gender balance In the Board of Administration of the Companies that quote on the stock market It has been delayed or only partially applied in more than half of the EU member states.

Infringement procedures against 17 Member States

The European Commission has recently started infringement procedures against 17 Member States for not having fully transposed the directive or some of its measures, a measure that has been accepted with satisfaction by the MEPs of the Parliamentary Commission on Women’s Rights (Female).

“The EU must reassess its existing policies and introduce progressive measures, such as Disincenting involuntary part -time workwhich disproportionately affects young women, “said Carolina Morece, from the Italian group on the left.

“In addition, improve parents support services, such as nurseries, and consider the allocation of these costs within the Budget limitations of states Members could foster a more balanced and equitable environment, “he added.

Spain has a parity law

Since last August, Spain has a parity law for Achieve gender balance in the management bodies. For the Eurodiputada Lina Gálvez (Spain/S&D), president of the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Commission (FEMM), it should serve as “A more egalitarian Europe model“Beyond the Business Administration.

“Otherwise, we run the risk of repeating what happened with the formation of the commission this summer or seeing that The European Parliament ends with more men That in the previous legislature, “Gálvez told ‘Euronews.

Achieve the Gender balance in the Administration Councils

The directive on the Gender balance in the Administration Councils Companies establishes objectives for the large companies in the EU: 40% of non -executive directors and 33% of all directors must belong to the less represented gender.

The legislation entered into force in December 2022. The Member States had two years to Incorporate its provisions to national legislationand companies must meet the objectives before June 2026.

A considerable delay in all EU member states

However, Bulgaria, Denmark, Ireland, France, Poland and Portugal have only partially transposed the directivewhile 11 other countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, Hungary, the Netherlands and Austria, have not yet notified the relevant measures.

“It is no accident that there are delays or partial transpositions of the board, since it was blocked on the Council for 10 years before its approval, “Gálvez argued.

Last year, women represented 39.6% of the members of the Board of Directors in the Countries with binding gender quotascompared to 33.8% in countries with soft measures and only 17% in countries that did not take measures.

Sanctions to companies that do not prioritize candidates of surrender sex

The directive includes measures such as the introduction of effective sanctions, provided and deterrent for companies that do not meet and a requirement to prioritize equally qualified candidates of the underrepresented sex.

The 17 notified Member States have until the beginning of April to respond to the request for information from the Commission. If the EU Executive considers that a Member State breaches its obligations, it can Issue a formal compliance requestusually within two months.

As a last resort, the commission can send the case to the Court of Justice of the European Unionbut in 90% of cases, countries meet before reaching this stage.