Covington supports European Women on Boards on Implementation of EU Directive

Covington supports European Women on Boards on Implementation of EU Directive

January 24, 2023

BRUSSELS—Covington and European Women on Boards (EWOB) are proud to announce the start of their collaboration to support the implementation process of the "Women on Boards" Directive, which was adopted by the European Union on November 22, 2022.

The adoption of the Directive, where EWOB played a key role, comes ten years after the proposal was first made. It aims to introduce transparent recruitment procedures in companies, so that at least 40% of non-executive director posts, or 33% of both non-executive and executive director posts, are occupied by the under-represented gender by the end of June 2026.

These minimum thresholds established by the Directive now need to be implemented in the national law of the 27 Member States. Covington, drawing on its unique combination of public policy and legal capabilities, will support EWOB pro bono through this implementation process.

EWOB is a non-profit Brussels-based organization whose aim is to increase gender diversity in C-Suite and Board roles throughout Europe. EWOB's three main objectives are: (i) working together with national associations for advancement of women, EU institutions and corporate partners; (ii) increasing the Board and C-Suite readiness of senior level women leaders throughout Europe; and (iii) conducting unique critical research, measuring and monitoring gender diversity at decision-making level in Europe.