Women on company boards will face the same standards, with no concessions

Women appointed to management and supervisory boards in Poland will carry the same responsibilities as men and face the same standards for diligence, loyalty and competence.

The president signed legislation implementing the European Union’s Women on Boards directive, then referred it to the Constitutional Tribunal for subsequent review. That referral does not affect the law’s operation. The legislation entered into force on August 18, 2026, binding large listed companies and their governing bodies from that date.

The new rules aim to increase women’s participation on company boards, but they also organise how nominations are conducted. Candidates for management or supervisory positions should be assessed using clear, predetermined and verifiable criteria covering qualifications, experience, competence and independence.

Companies must also provide access to information about their recruitment rules and keep records of the selection process. The emphasis, as the headline puts it, is on equal standards rather than reduced expectations for women appointed to corporate bodies.