S. whereas the Network of Women in Decision-Making in Politics and the Economy, set up in June 2008, can help improve the gender balance in decision-making positions,

At the same time, women remain under-represented, particularly in some fields of science and engineering and in positions of responsibility.

29. Points out that on more than one occasion it has strongly advocated the need for equal opportunities between men and women, in particular the promotion of women to senior levels in the European institutions; regrets that over the whole period 1999-2001 this objective has not been achieved; is concerned that only 22% of 'A' grade employees are women, that none of the 3 recent Director-General appointments were female; regrets that over the period July 2000 to 15 December 2001, out of 6 A1/A2-posts only one woman was appointed, out of 12 A3-posts only men were appointed and out of 4 LA 3-posts only one woman was appointed; also notes that for the remaining promotions in category A in 2001 out of all the men and women eligible for prom ...[+++]otion only 14,3% of women were promoted whereas 30,8% of men were promoted; notes a positive trend in recruitment of female administrators in 2001 (7 men/7 women) ;

28. Points out that on more than one occasion the European Parliament has strongly advocated the need for equal opportunities between men and women, in particular the promotion of women to senior levels in the European institutions; regrets that over the whole period 1999-2001 this objective has not been achieved; is concerned that only 22% of 'A' grade employees are women, that none of the 3 recent Director-General appointments were female; regrets that over the period July 2000 to 15 December 2001, out of 6 A1/A2-posts only one woman was appointed, out of 12 A3-posts only men were appointed and out of 4 LA 3-posts only one woman was appointed; also notes that for the remaining promotions in category A in 2001 out of all the men and wo ...[+++]men eligible for promotion only 14.3% of women were promoted whereas 30.8% of men were promoted; notes a positive trend in recruitment of female administrators in 2001 (7 men/7 women);

In 1997, the Italian Prime Minster adopted a policy entitled "Actions aimed at promoting the attribution of powers and responsibilities to women", which aims to empower women by guaranteeing a significant female presence in government bodies and in positions of responsibility in the civil service.

The objective of balanced participation of men and of women at all levels of society can be achieved by measures to improve professional career profiles, give women greater access to responsible jobs and foster their entrepreneurial spirit.