Gender Balance on Boards Directive

This Directive aims to achieve a more balanced representation of women and men among the directors of listed companies by establishing effective measures to accelerate progress towards gender balance. It applies to all listed companies (companies whose shares are admitted to trading on one or more regulated markets in the EU) but does not apply to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Member States shall ensure that listed companies achieve one of the following objectives by 30 June 2026: members of the under-represented sex hold at least 40% of non-executive director positions, or members of the under-represented sex hold at least 33% of all director positions (executive and non-executive). It also requires listed companies to establish gender equality policies, to select directors through transparent and objective selection procedures, and to report annually on gender representation.