Implementation of the Women on Boards Directive

On 18 August 2026, the act implementing the EU Women on Boards Directive entered into force. Its aim is to improve gender balance in the governing bodies of large listed companies.

Members of the underrepresented sex are to hold at least 33% of the seats on management and supervisory boards taken together. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are not covered by this obligation. The act also imposes additional requirements: transparent and non‑discriminatory criteria for the selection of members of corporate bodies, preference for candidates of the underrepresented sex where qualifications are comparable, an obligation to adopt a gender balance policy, and new reporting duties for management boards. Persons harmed by a breach of these rules in the recruitment process will be able to claim compensation or damages.