THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS



- is aware that it is important to respect the fundamental right of businesses to operate without interference; however, it is also important that equality between sexes be respected, as a fundamental value of the EU. This directive which provides a minimum standard, seeks to secure equal conditions for both sexes in all Member States and thus improve the economic conditions in the internal market.

- suggests that it would make sense to adopt sanctions which were similar in every Member State, if we wish to achieve the aim of securing a level playing field and a coherent regulatory framework throughout the EU. Otherwise, the disincentives in some countries might end up being significantly weaker than in others, thus leading to a lower level of compliance with the national legislation implementing the directive.

- supports the Commission's decision to pursue the goal of improving gender equality by means of a legislative proposal with binding objectives, rather than by supporting a self-regulatory and/or voluntary approach.

- stresses that the selection of the best qualified candidates for posts of non-executive directors be based on transparent qualification criteria and selection processes, encouraging all talented people to submit an application;

- stresses that, in many jobs, diversity among the staff in terms of knowledge, skills, experience, life situation and gender is vital to achieving the intended results. The Committee therefore feels it is important that priority be given to a candidate of the under-represented sex if that candidate is equally well qualified as a candidate of the other sex in terms of suitability, competence and professional performance, and if an objective assessment taking account of all personal criteria does not tilt the balance in favour of a candidate of the other sex;