Eu chief unevils new right-leaning commission with women in top roles

Syllabus:

GS 1:

  • Social Empowerment and Gender Parity
  • Role of Women and Women Empowerment

Why in the News?

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled her new Commission team, emphasizing gender parity by appointing women to key leadership roles. However, the inclusion of far-right representatives has sparked controversy, highlighting political shifts within the European Union.

Overview of Ursula von der Leyen’s Commission Appointments

  • Female Leadership: Ursula von der Leyen placed women in top roles, appointing four women as Vice Presidents, despite reluctance from several EU member states.
  • Gender Parity Push: Von der Leyen advocated for greater gender balance, resulting in 40% female representation in the new Commission team, though still short of full parity.
  • Right-Leaning Team: The new Commission leans right following a surge of far-right parties in recent elections, with Italy gaining newfound influence in the bloc.
  • Key Roles: Spain’s Teresa Ribera leads the green transition, while Finland’s Henna Virkkunen heads digital policy, emphasizing Von der Leyen’s focus on diverse expertise.
  • Timeline: The Commission is set to begin work by November 1, but speculation suggests potential delays until January, awaiting parliamentary confirmation.

Controversial Appointments and Reactions

  • Raffaele Fitto: Italian Raffaele Fitto’s appointment as Executive Vice President has stirred controversy due to his affiliation with Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party.
  • Criticism: Greens lawmaker Rasmus Andresen questioned whether an anti-European figure can manage EU funds, reflecting widespread concerns over Fitto’s leadership.
  • Far-Right Inclusion: This marks the first time a far-right representative will hold a top role in the European Commission, sparking unprecedented debate within EU political circles.
  • French Influence: France maintains strong influence with Stephane Sejourne gaining the industrial portfolio following Thierry Breton’s resignation, allegedly under Von der Leyen’s pressure.
  • Political Balance: Von der Leyen defended Fitto’s appointment, citing Italy’s weight as a founding EU member and major economy, while balancing political diversity in the Commission.

Gender Parity Efforts and Political Manoeuvring

  • Initial Gender Imbalance: Initially, only 22% of female candidates were proposed by member states, prompting Von der Leyen to push for increased female representation in her team.
  • Secret Negotiations: Von der Leyen engaged in private talks with European governments and political leaders before finalizing the composition of her College of Commissioners.
  • Top Jobs for Women: While full parity wasn’t achieved, Von der Leyen ensured significant female representation in key leadership roles, solidifying her commitment to gender balance.
  • Parliamentary Hearings: Upcoming parliamentary hearings could lead to rejections of certain candidates, adding further uncertainty to the final composition of the Commission team.
  • Resistance from Member States: Many EU member states resisted gender parity efforts, refusing to provide both male and female candidates for consideration.

Italy’s Role and Broader Implications

  • Meloni’s Approval: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed Fitto’s appointment, viewing it as confirmation of Italy’s increasing influence and central role in EU decision-making.
  • Italy’s Return: Meloni emphasized that Italy is now a “protagonist” in European affairs, marking a shift in the nation’s involvement in EU politics under her leadership.
  • EU’s Balancing Act: The inclusion of a far-right figure in the Commission is part of Von der Leyen’s broader strategy to maintain good relations with EU member states, including Italy.
  • Political Calculations: Von der Leyen’s decision to accommodate Italy’s interests reflects her efforts to maintain cohesion within the EU, even at the cost of controversy.
  • Founding Member Importance: Italy’s foundational status within the EU played a significant role in securing a high-ranking position for Fitto, further solidifying its influence.

Future Challenges and Expectations

  • Parliamentary Approval: Attention will shift to the European Parliament’s hearings, where candidates may face rejection, potentially forcing member states to propose new nominees.
  • Commission Stability: The inclusion of far-right figures raises concerns about the stability and unity of the Commission, especially regarding sensitive EU policies.
  • Long-Term Impact: The political direction of the Commission, with a right-leaning stance and far-right influence, could shape EU policies for years to come, particularly in migration and security.
  • Political Tensions: The new composition may heighten tensions between member states and within the European Parliament, complicating legislative decision-making processes.
  • Von der Leyen’s Legacy: Von der Leyen’s ability to navigate gender parity challenges and political pressures will significantly impact her legacy as European Commission President.

Initiatives to Promote Gender Parity in India

Women’s Reservation Bill (108th Constitutional Amendment):

 The proposed Women’s Reservation Bill aims to reserve 33% of seats in Parliament and state legislative assemblies for women, promoting their representation in political leadership.

Mahila-E-Haat Initiative:

This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, is an online marketing platform for women entrepreneurs, providing financial and digital support to promote women’s leadership in business. 

Corporate Quotas for Women

Under the Companies Act, 2013, India mandates that certain companies appoint at least one woman director, enhancing female leadership roles in the corporate sector.

National Women’s Policy (2016)
The policy emphasizes women’s participation in decision-making and governance, supporting initiatives in health, education, and economic empowerment to enable leadership roles across various sectors.

These initiatives aim to create a gender-inclusive environment in India’s leadership and governance systems.

Conclusion
Von der Leyen’s Commission reflects a balancing act between gender representation and political pragmatism. While it empowers women in leadership roles, the inclusion of far-right figures raises concerns about the future direction and unity of the European Union.

Mains Practice Question

Discuss the significance of gender parity in political leadership roles. How does it impact governance and decision-making in multilateral institutions like the European Union?

Source: The Hindu

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/what-is-the-gender-gap-in-education/