Female decision-makers from around Europe are meeting on the 2nd of June 2008 for the launch of a new EU-level network of women in power. The group aims to promote women in decision-making positions in politics and the economy across Europe. The inaugural meeting will be opened by Equal Opportunities Commissioner Vladimír Špidla and by Zita Gurmai, Vice-Chairwoman of the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. Commission Vice-President Margot Wallström and Budget Commissioner Dalia Grybauskaité will also be present at the discussion.

The 'Network of women in decision-making in politics and the economy' aims to provide a platform at EU level for successful strategies to improve gender balance in decision-making positions. Concretely, it will allow for exchange of ideas, information and experience, mutual learning and sharing of good practice. By facilitating partnerships and synergies between existing networks at European level, the group will provide a clear EU added value. The members' experience and reputation will also help give greater visibility to the issue of gender balance.

"It is time to re-double our efforts to achieve equal participation of women and men in power," said Commissioner Špidla. "But political will is not enough. We must also put the right strategies into practice and learn from one another's experience. I am confident that our new network will help accelerate progress on this issue."

The network will present its first results in 2009, highlighting examples of best practice and summarising the exchanges and debates between the members of the network. The group currently consists of 15 existing networks, such as professional organisations, and can be joined by additional European networks. It is one of the key actions foreseen in the Commission's current Roadmap for gender equality.

At present, women account for only 24% of members of national parliaments and governments in Europe. And in the private sector, men still represent 9 out of 10 board members in European blue-chip companies. The discrepancy is widest at the very top: only 3% of these companies have a woman presiding over the highest decision-making body.