EU Parliament’s Gender Gap Persists in US Delegation Amid Transatlantic Tensions
The European Parliament (EP) has been advocating for gender balance in its committees, yet its Delegation to the USA remains male-dominated. Meanwhile, the EP's commitment to the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue (TLD) and EU-US relations faces challenges under the Trump administration's policies.
The EP has implemented a rule promoting gender balance in its Delegation Bureaux and Committees. However, this has not yet been fully reflected in its Delegation to the USA, which continues to be predominantly male. This disparity underscores the ongoing debate around gender within the EP, with some MEPs advocating for gender mainstreaming while others question its necessity.
The EP's interest in the TLD is evident, with a Liaison Office in Washington DC and a 64-member Delegation to the USA. Yet, under Trump's second administration, the EU-US alliance has faced strain due to trade disputes, weakened security guarantees, and cultural antagonisms. Trump's rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, including refusing to sign the 2025 UN Commission on the Status of Women declaration, has further complicated transatlantic relations.
Parliamentarians, like MEPs, can act swiftly and flexibly, using their electoral mandates to pursue normative agendas beyond formal diplomacy. The EP, as an interparliamentary powerhouse with 48 Delegations, has established gender focal points to keep gender on the EU-US agenda. Recent TLD statements have focused mainly on trade and security, but the EP can exert normative pressure through resolutions and debates to address gender issues.
The EP's commitment to gender balance and the TLD remains strong despite challenges. As an influential player in shaping EU-US relations, the EP continues to promote gender equality and fair taxation, complementing formal legislative power with informal interactions to navigate complex transatlantic relations and gender equality policies.
