EU chief says she’s pushing full steam ahead for gender parity in EU’s executive office

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday she is doubling down and pushing full steam ahead to achieve gender parity in her executive Commission team that runs the day-to-day affairs of the massive bloc - despite stubborn resistance from some of the 27 member states.

The German, who is setting up the college for her second five-year mandate, may be beholden to the candidates that each member state chooses to provide.

But she has been twisting arms in capitals to make sure that the original tally of 21 men and 6 women changes to at least a semblance of balance. In her first term, she achieved near gender parity among EU commissioners.

"I have throughout my whole political life been fighting for women having access to decision-making positions and leading positions," von der Leyen told reporters. "My experience is that if you don't ask for it, you...