Women currently make up 10 per cent of directors and only 3 per cent of CEOs at the largest listed EU companies. As the number of women in corporate boards is currently increasing by only half a percentage point per year, it will take another 50 years before boardrooms have at least 40 per cent women, says a non-binding resolution on Women and Business Leadership adopted by MEPs on Wednesday.

"Europe cannot afford to leave talent untapped! Empowering the role of women on management boards of companies is not only about ethics and equality, it is also essential for economic growth and a competitive internal market. With the adoption of the report on Women and Business Leadership, the European Parliament has sent a strong message to governments, social partners and enterprises in Europe", said EP Vice-President, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (EPP, EL), who drafted the resolution adopted today by 534 votes to 109 with 29 abstentions.

Press release