Brussels, 16/09/2003 (Agence Europe) - On the occasion of the informal meeting of European Equal Opportunities Ministers in Syracuse (see EUROPE of 13 September, p.13), Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou recalled that the number of women in decision-making bodies was far from satisfactory, at every level. In order to restore a balance between men and women and with a view to the European elections of 2004, Ms Diamantopoulou calls on the political parties to ensure that the next European Parliament is made up of at least 30% women MEPs. She also calls on the national authorities to respect the aims set at the Lisbon and Barcelona summits, namely that the rate of female employment should reach 60% in 2010 and child minding facilities and crèches should be provided for at least 90% of children between 3 years of age and school age and for at least 33% of children under 3. In so doing, the Commission above all wants to test the determination of national and European authorities to promote policies allowing women to take part in political and economic decision-making.