Clear in the European Union of equal company boards

Already in 2012, the European Commission put forward its proposal that both sexes should be represented by at least 40 percent of the members on the boards of directors of large companies. But then the great rift between the member states ceased – until last year Germany got a government without the conservative CDU party.

When Germany said yes, the previous blockage disappeared, meaning that the EU Council of Ministers and the EU Parliament reached a compromise this summer that was finally confirmed by both member states and parliament.

The idea is to ensure that by July 2026, 40 percent of board members in listed companies will be women, or of an underrepresented gender. Companies with fewer than 250 employees will not be covered.

The new rules mean that EU countries must impose effective penalties on companies that do not meet the targets. However, countries can decide for themselves what penalties should be applied – for example fines. Certain exceptions are also made for countries that are already close to the targets or that have already introduced effective legislation.

Sweden has always rejected the proposal. The previous southern government had already wanted to say yes this spring, noting the exceptions made, but had to yield to the majority in Parliament. Instead, Sweden ended up on the opposite side alongside Poland, Hungary and Slovakia.

– Really, really embarrassing, thinks MEP Karina Olsson (S), who was rather happy with a yes on the final Tuesday in Strasbourg.

Shame on those who give up, you might say when dealing with issues of gender equality. You have to persevere and persevere, says Olsson at a Swedish press conference.