European Union

The event featured insightful discussions on gender equality and the importance of diverse representation in parliaments. 

Distinguished Guests,

Dear friends,

It is an absolute pleasure to be here today with so many bright, passionate, young leaders and changemakers. 

You are the driving force behind the progress we've made in recent years.

And what an incredible journey it has been!

or Zoe Lefkofridi, a professor of politics and gender at the University of Salzburg in Austria, there cannot be real democracy without gender equality.  But past progress cannot be taken for granted. Despite significant steps in Europe towards gender equality, opposition seems to be on the rise.

“The EU has been a pioneer in promoting women’s rights, especially concerning employment,” said Lefkofridi. “However, we’re observing worrisome developments in certain EU countries, as well as the US.”

On September 19 and 20, the European Committee of the Regions hosted a two-day event to celebrate the International Day for Democracy, with support from the European Endowment for Democracy (EED), European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), International IDEA, the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), and Carnegie Europe.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen is determined to achieve gender parity in her executive Commission amid resistance from member states. She is advocating for a balanced representation of men and women among EU commissioners. Despite legal limitations, von der Leyen's efforts highlight the ongoing struggle for gender equality within the political framework of the EU.