Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik, a Polish MEP from the Patriots for Europe (PfE) group, has accused the European Commission of discrimination against men in its draft Council recommendations to Poland for 2026-2027. In a parliamentary question submitted on 30 June 2026, she argues that the Commission's focus on women's challenges—such as pension poverty and STEM careers—ignores systemic problems faced by boys and men, including educational inequalities, vocational training gaps, and labour market segmentation. The MEP contends that omitting official data on male marginalisation undermines the objectivity of the Commission's analyses and hints at an ideological approach.
The question, addressed to the Commission, contains three concrete demands. First, Zajączkowska-Hernik asks how the Commission explains the failure to reference problems affecting boys and men, despite available data. Second, she requests whether the Commission will supplement the recommendations or introduce an obligation for balanced gender analysis in future European Semester cycles. Third, she inquires about the role of Member States in drafting the gender equality standards and how the Commission took the Polish authorities' position into account.
The MEP's intervention reflects a broader political cleavage between those advocating for a gender-neutral policy approach and those prioritising targeted support for women. The question challenges the Commission's analytical framework, suggesting it may be ideologically driven rather than evidence-based. If the Commission's response—expected within approximately six weeks—signals openness to revising the Semester's gender analysis, it could shift EU policy towards a more symmetrical treatment of gender issues, potentially affecting funding and reform priorities in Poland and other Member States. Conversely, a dismissal of the concerns may reinforce existing approaches, drawing criticism from conservative and nationalist groups.
Stakeholders impacted include Polish men and boys, who could benefit from targeted educational and labour market measures; the European Commission, whose credibility on impartial analysis is questioned; the Polish government, which may have its positions considered or overridden; and EU gender equality advocates, who may see a dilution of women-focused policies as a setback.