While the official deadline for EU member states to submit their candidates is August 30, von der Leyen has indicated she will accept nominations until early September.

As the deadline approaches, it is evident that more than half of the EU governments have only proposed male candidates for the new college of commissioners, raising concerns about a male-dominated leadership.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, is striving for gender balance in her new leadership team, but she faces significant challenges as many member states have predominantly nominated male candidates.

Portugal has resolved its previous uncertainty by announcing Maria Luís Albuquerque as its candidate for European Commissioner.

However, Romania and Luxembourg have both nominated male candidates, Victor Negrescu and Christophe Hansen, respectively, contributing to the gender imbalance.

The predominance of male nominees is further underscored by the fact that countries known for sending female candidates, such as Denmark and the Netherlands, have opted for male politicians this time.

Spanish MEP Lina Gálvez has criticized the situation, emphasizing that the new commission should not become a 'men's club'.

If Denmark and Italy also nominate men, the Commission could end up being two-thirds male, which has raised concerns among various political figures.

Currently, confirmed candidates for the next college of commissioners include Ursula von der Leyen from Germany and Kaja Kallas from Estonia, with several other candidates already announced.

Member states that do not comply with von der Leyen's request for gender balance may face consequences, such as having their candidates assigned to less influential portfolios.

In her efforts to promote gender equality, von der Leyen has specifically requested that Portugal propose a female candidate for the upcoming Commission.

The selection of new commissioners is part of the final steps to fill political positions following the recent European elections, with von der Leyen having been re-nominated for a second term.