Analysis of Political Parties' and Independent Candidates' Policies for Gender Balance in the European Parliament after the Elections of 2014

Upon request by the FEMM Committee, this study explores the results of the 2014 European Parliament elections in terms of gender balance of MEPs. The study uses case studies and statistical analyses of the election results to establish the main barriers to women being elected. The factors explored include the type of electoral system used, political parties’ candidate list selection processes and strategies used by women political candidates. The study presents recommendations for improving gender balance in the European Parliament.