Diversity and inclusion

Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace

In its 2022 HR strategy, the Commission commits to lead by example in inclusiveness and diversity. Ensuring that our workforce is representative of our society and that our working environment is discrimination-free, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities will enable staff to use their full potential.

In line with the strong commitment of President von der Leyen to ensure gender balance at all levels of management, considerable progress has been made in this respect over the past years.

Female representation increased since 2019 (data on 1 January 2026):

• from 37% to 46.9 % in senior management level,
• from 42% to 50.2% in middle management level
• reaching 49.5% overall.

The Commission also reached a proportion of 47 % female middle managers in the executive agencies in January 2026. Among senior managers, currently 4 out of 6 Directors of executive agencies are women.

This places the Commission among the very few public administrations around the world with the highest share of women in leadership positions.

This unprecedented increase in female representation at management level required the combined efforts of all Commission departments. It was achieved through talent development programmes for female staff and

specific targets for Directorates-General, while ensuring that all appointments were based on merit.

The principle of making gender balanced first appointments at middle management level is closely monitored and helps to ensure sustained gender equality.

In addition, the institution is determined to practice a zero-tolerance policy regarding discrimination on all grounds towards its staff members, as enshrined in the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union.

Fact Sheet on the Diversity and inclusion in the workplace - Action Plan 2023-2024

Factsheet on Diversity, inclusion and respect at the workplace: survey