Elections to the European Parliament – What is in it for Europe’s Women Scientists?

The European Platform of Women Scientists EPWS has been contacted by the European Commission to join its efforts and reach out to the community of our association to contribute to increasing the turnout to the up-coming European Parliament elections between 4 and 7 June 2009.

In its reply, EPWS confirmed that, as an association operating at European level, the Platform is fully committed to the up-coming elections and ready to communicate the Commission’s request to the EPWS community.

In view of the fact, however, that the European Union’s political will to promote women in science and research has become increasingly difficult to communicate regarding any serious present or future concrete actions, the EPWS letter also contained a set of questions, such as:

What is in it for Europe’s Women Scientists regarding the sincerity of the European Union’s political will to improve the situation of women in science and research to make them go to the ballot box in June 2009?


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The European Platform of Women Scientists EPWS has been contacted by the Vice-President of the European Commission Margot Wallström and the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunity Vladimír Špidla to join the European Commission’s efforts and reach out to the community of our association to contribute to increasing the turnout to the up-coming European Parliament elections between 4 and 7 June 2009.

In her reply, EPWS Vice President Brigitte Muehlenbruch confirmed that, as an association operating at European level, the European Platform of Women Scientists EPWS is fully committed to the up-coming elections and ready to communicate the Commission’s request to the EPWS community.

In view of the fact, however, that the European Union’s political will to promote women in science and research has become increasingly difficult to communicate regarding any serious present or future concrete actions, the EPWS letter also contained the following questions:

What is in it for Europe’s Women Scientists regarding the sincerity of the European Union’s political will to improve the situation of women in science and research to make them go to the ballot box in June 2009?

Where and how does the Union’s political will to promote women in science and research, especially into decision-making positions, manifest itself in a sustainable, future oriented manner, in evidence for Europe’s women scientists?

The European Commission and all members of the European Parliament also received the letter.

For the European Commission’s request, click here

For the EPWS Letter to Commissioners Wallström and Špidla, click here

Elections to the European Parliament will take place in EU Member States between 4 and 7 June 2009, marking the 30th anniversary of European Parliament elections since their beginning. 375 million citizens in 27 EU Member States are called to the polls.

For the first time in history, all EU Member States will hold elections together – a decisive moment for democracy in Europe.

For more information on the European Elections 2009, click here