Citizens sign up to petition for Ms. Europe

In just one day, over 1,000 signatures were collected for an internet petition demanding that heads of state and government appoint at least one woman to the four top positions in the EU.

Danish Socialist MEP Christel Schaldemose launched the citizens’ initiative, the ‘Females in Front’ website. Her aim is to collect one million signatures from European citizens, in the hope of influencing the decision that ultimately will be taken by the heads of state and government of EU countries. 

Within the next 12 months, four EU leadership positions must be filled: President of the EU Council of Ministers, President of the European Commission, President of the European Parliament and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (see our Link Dossier on ‘Mr. Europe’). 

“At least one of these posts should be held by a woman,” insists Ms. Schaldemose. She added that with one or more women in top positions, the EU would become far more representative of its citizens, which  would also increase the legitimacy of the European Union. 

One woman has frequently been pinpointed as a potential candidate for the top EU job – German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Recently Commissioner Margot Wallström published an article in the Financial Times entitled “Europe’s old boys need to make way for women,” which lists several other names.

According to Stanley Crossick, a veteran EU policy analyst and founding chairman of the European Policy Centre (EPC), Merkel is the only person who has “the authority and ability” to ensure the importance of the troika and would also contribute to another desirable criterion, which is gender balance (see his post on Blogactiv for a full analysis). A recent opinion poll (EURACTIV 07/04/08) indicated that Angela Merkel was perceived by EU citizens as the most influential leader in the Union. But so far Ms. Merkel has shown no intention whatsoever of leaving national politics to opt for the EU top job. 

Read more with Euractiv

East Europeans to enter competition for top EU job

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