In the European context, Recommendation Rec (2003) 3 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on balanced participation of women and men in political and public decision making defines “balanced participation of women and men” in political and public decisionmaking as a minimum of 40% representation of each sex in any decision-making body in political and public life (see the Explanatory memorandum). This principle of balanced participation of women and men understands the presence of women and men in the context in question in such a manner that neither sex accounts for more than sixty nor less than forty per cent of the total. This formula goes beyond the mere legal gender quota and it is reinforced in Recommendation Rec(2007)17 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on gender equality standards and mechanisms.