Brussels, 06/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - The controversial proposal on a 40% quota of women on the boards of blue chip companies will be on the discussion table of the Employment, Social Policy and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) Council on Monday 9 December. While a blocking minority continues on this issue, Germany's position remains crucial following the agreement on its governing coalition.
The Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the EU is due to present a progress report on work on the proposal for a directive from European Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Viviane Reding (see interview in EUROPE 10968). It seems that there might now be consensus on the objective of this directive - more women on company boards - but not on the means with which to achieve this. The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, the UK, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia and Latvia are, at this stage, reportedly against a binding 40% quota of women in non-executive positions on blue chip company boards. Some would apparently prefer voluntary measures, others apparently have reservations concerning the respect for proportionality and subsidiarity.
Germany's position could be the adjustment variable on whether or not a blocking minority is obtained. Initially opposed to the directive proposal, Germany could review its position in the coming months. Indeed, there has been a change of direction in Berlin as the agreement for a governing coalition between the SPD and CDU now stipulates the possibility of a national quota of women on company boards. It is by no means certain, however, that this position will be reflected at the European level. The EPSCO Council could be the opportunity to know more on this issue on Monday, but no minister is planning to attend. A status quo on the German position remains the most realistic option at this stage.
France and Italy, two countries which have experience of binding quotas, have submitted a proposal for a quota of 30% rather than 40%. However, this compromise was reportedly rejected by the other delegations at Coreper. Lastly, the European Parliament has adopted a negotiating mandate on the issue clearly supporting the Commission's position. The combination of these different circumstances certainly points to future negotiations on the presence of women on company boards remaining uneasy for the Greek Presidency. (MD/transl.fl)