By: C. Š.
Slovenian MEP Zala Tomašič has been elected vice‑president of the women’s wing of the European People’s Party (EPP), the largest political party in Europe.
The EPP Women Congress (European People’s Party – Women) took place this December 2025 in Brussels, specifically on 5 and 6 December.
It is the annual gathering of the women’s wing of the largest European political group, the EPP, which focuses on strengthening the position of women in politics, promoting gender equality, and addressing key European issue.
This year’s congress was dedicated to the theme “How can Europe regain its independence?”, with emphasis on security, innovation, and economic competitiveness. A highlight of the congress was the election of the organisation’s new leadership. Mariya Gabriel, a prominent Bulgarian politician and former European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, and Education, was elected as the new president with a large majority. Gabriel, who had already served as vice‑president of EPP Women since 2012, has in her previous roles (including as vice‑president of the EPP Group in the European Parliament) strongly influenced areas such as the digital economy and Mediterranean relations. Her election was welcomed as a step toward greater inclusion of women in European decision‑making, particularly in the context of the fight for equality and the protection of democracy.
Representing the interests of Slovenian women will be Zala Tomašič
Among the vice‑presidents elected was also Zala Tomašič, Slovenian Member of the European Parliament from the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS). Tomašič, active in the European Parliament since 2024, described her election as “an infinite honour and gratitude,” as it enables her to represent the interests of Slovenian women even more strongly at the European level.
Her role will be important for promoting issues such as security, economic independence, and women’s rights in the region.
The congress also presented the report on EPP Women’s activities for the period 2022–2025 under the leadership of former president Rozália Biró, who in her closing remarks congratulated the new leadership and highlighted achievements in combating violence against women and supporting Ukrainian women. The event took place in the European Parliament and gathered representatives from all EPP member parties, including delegations from Slovenia, who supported Tomašič’s candidacy through the SDS Women’s Committee. This election is an important step for Slovenia, as it strengthens our country’s influence in European centre‑right politics and opens the door for greater emphasis on national priorities such as economic security and family policy.
