Mr Casa has sent a letter to fellow MEP Eva-Britt Svensson to signify his support of an open letter addressed to all EU heads of state on the subject.

Ms Svensson (who forms part of the GUE/NGL political grouping)’s letter runs:

“There are now only a few days left before you present your candidates for the new Commissioners to the President of the European Commission. We are very concerned that, in the 50-year history of the European Commission, there have been very few female Commissioners.

“Even if now there are more women today than in earlier Commissions, the rate of increase has been far too slow. The facts speak for themselves. The 1985-1989 Commission did not have any female Commissioners, while today there are five men chosen for every woman. This is not satisfactory. EU citizens deserve to have competent men and women appointed to these influential positions.

“Of course, there are many qualified women who would be excellent Commissioners. That is not the issue. The real problem is the lack of political will to create a Commission based on equality between men and women. There has been too much lip-service paid to equal opportunities and not enough action. Now you have a golden opportunity to change this – do not let it pass you by!

“A modern Europe is one of equality between men and women. Therefore, the European Commission should lead by example and ensure that an equal proportion of men and women are appointed to these prestigious posts.

“We, the undersigned, call on you to contribute to a new Commission that respects women and men equally.

“Make it possible for the new Commission President to create a collegium based on the principle of equality between men and women – nominate at least one female candidate per country.”