Gender Balance in Business

*This article was first published in Betriebs-Berater and is used here with the publisher's permission.

European law requires measures to be taken against discrimination. According to Article 3(3) of the EU Treaty, the EU promotes social justice and social protection as well as equality between men and women.

In line with this mandate, the EU has adopted the Directive on ensuring a more balanced representation of women and men among directors of listed companies and related measures, the rules of which have been applicable since January of this year at the latest. Under the directive, at least 40% of non-executive directors or at least 33% of all directors must belong to the under-represented gender. This target must be achieved by 30 June 2026. To this end, a non-discriminatory selection procedure for these positions is required.

Read more here. (German language)