On our latest ARIR’s monthly meeting, Hedwige Nuyens, CEO of the International Banking Federation & Chair of European Women on Boards mentioned that, after one year since the transposition of the Directive (EU) 2381/2022, we are starting to see the first effects of the regulatory updates, although, for now, we can only talk about a transition period.

During her intervention, Ms Nuyens has also presented the positive impact of gender balance in the corporate governance of listed companies, and how diversity within management structures can support long-term sustainability of issuers.

“The EU Women on Boards Directive marks a significant step toward achieving gender balance in corporate leadership. This directive mandates that stock-listed companies must attain 40% female representation among non-executive directors by June 2026.

Romania has already made notable strides, moving from the bottom tier to the lower half in female board representation, and is expected to see further major progress in the coming years. By broadening the talent pool, companies can raise the bar for board qualifications, leading to better-qualified candidates with diverse profiles, not only in terms of gender, but also nationality, education and skill set. This shift is not only positive for corporate governance but also enhances decision-making quality, driving innovation across Europe. Ultimately, the directive exemplifies how ‘Transparency,’ ‘Accountability,’ and ‘Data’ can facilitate achieving strategic objectives.”

The discussion also underlined that the 2026 deadline is not an end point. For Romanian listed companies, the next step is to turn the regulatory requirement into sustained progress: broader candidate pools, clearer selection criteria and board appointments that reflect the range of expertise companies need as their businesses become more complex and international.