EU Companies Must Meet 40% Board Representation Rule
June 30, 2026 marks a major milestone for gender equality across the European Union, as the deadline expired for Member States to comply with the EU Directive on improving gender balance on corporate boards.
To mark the occasion, the chairs and rapporteurs of the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) highlighted the importance of fully implementing the new legislation.
JURI Chair Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew, Bulgaria) stressed that, as of 30 June, at least 40% of non-executive board positions must be held by members of the underrepresented gender.
FEMM Chair Lina Gálvez (S&D, Spain) described the date as “a significant milestone in achieving equal gender representation in corporate leadership,” emphasizing that balanced decision-making is essential for a modern and competitive economy.
JURI rapporteur Lara Wolters (S&D, Netherlands) noted that the so-called “glass ceiling” continues to hinder women’s career advancement across many parts of Europe.
Meanwhile, FEMM rapporteur Evelyn Regner (S&D, Austria) stated that the new directive permanently changes the way senior corporate appointments are made by introducing more transparent and merit-based selection procedures that promote equal opportunities.
The directive represents one of the European Union’s most significant legislative steps toward achieving gender equality in corporate governance and is expected to reshape boardroom representation across Europe.
