The European Commission is moving closer to its goal of a fully gender-balanced administration, yet significant disparities remain between entry-level roles and top leadership. A recent data analysis published by Euractiv reveals that while the institution has made strides under President Ursula von der Leyen, the “glass ceiling” is still a reality in many departments.
Expert Insight: Sophie Jacquot’s Analysis
Our colleague Sophie Jacquot, Professor of Political Science at UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles and an expert in EU gender equality policy, was interviewed by Euractiv to provide a deeper look at these figures.
According to Professor Jacquot, the numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. She highlights that careers within the Commission remain “strongly gendered.”
Even when women move more between roles than men, the type of jobs they get remains uneven, perpetuating ‘stereotyped expectations’
Key Findings from the Report
The research, compiled by scholars from King’s College, UCL, and Stockholm University, highlights a two-track reality:
- Administrative Parity: In 2024, women hold 48% of administrator (AD) posts, a clear increase from 45% in 2019.
- The Seniority Gap: Despite this progress, men still account for nearly 60% of staff in senior grades (AD11–AD16).
- Sectoral Disparity: While departments like Justice and Home Affairs show strong female representation, technical fields like Defense, Digital, and Energy still lag behind.
Conclusion: A Work in Progress
As Sophie Jacquot emphasizes, the challenge ahead for the Commission is not just about reaching numerical targets, but about overcoming the “significant obstacles” that prevent progress from being truly structural and irreversible.
Read the full article and data analysis on Euractiv: [Link to the Euractiv Article]