EPP Group Hearing on The Role of Women in the Armed Forces

From representation to real impact

Women represent only 12-13% of military personnel across NATO countries

A strategic, operational & political challenge

Programme

13.30 Introduction:

President Roberta Metsola

MEP Željana Zovko

MEP General Christophe Gomart

14.20-16.00 - Panel 1: Where do we stand and Why does it matter?

Moderated by MEP Eleonora Meleti

Panel 1 will assess the presence, roles and leadership of women in European armed forces, highlighting differences between countries and recent trends. It will examine the main barriers to recruitment, retention and access to senior positions. Personal testimonies will provide concrete examples of progress, remaining challenges and lessons learned from military experience.

Speakers:

Amy Hill (UK) - Researcher – Newcastle University
COL Gwenola Colleter (FR) - Colonel - Special Forces
LCDR Agnieszka Hydzik (POL) - Lieutenant Commander
LCL Annika Heusinger (ALL) – Lieutenant Colonel

16.15-16.45 - Keynote : Commissioner Henna Virkkunen

16.50 - Panel 2: What works and What must change?

Moderated by MEP Hélder Sousa Silva

Panel 2 will focus on strategic perspectives and concrete solutions to increase the participation of women in the armed forces. Military leaders will identify best practices in recruitment, retention, career development and access to senior leadership, while maintaining operational standards. The discussion will aim to define practical measures and measurable objectives that armed forces can implement and assess.

Speakers:

Major General Gordana Garasic (HR), Deputy Director of the Institute for Security and Defence Studies
Lieutenant General Iavor Mateev (BU), Chief of Bulgarian MilRep NATO/EU
Brigadier General Timothy O’Brien (IRL), European Union Military Committee (EUMC), Director of Cabinet of General Sean Clancy
Admiral Pierre Vandier (FR), NATO, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT)