The gender-sustainability nexus in the European context: a panel data analysis

This study analyses the impact of female leadership on sustainable development indicators and environmental efficiency across 28 European countries (EU-27 and Trkiye) over the period 2015-2023.Utilising panel data and fixed-effects econometric models, the relationship between female representation in legislative bodies, government, and corporate governance (boards and executive positions) is investigated in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals Index (SDG Index) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.The results confirm a statistically significant positive correlation between the proportion of women in national parliaments and the achievement of systemic sustainability goals, thereby supporting theoretical premises regarding the more pronounced social and ethical orientation of female leaders.With regard to the environmental footprint, the role of corporate gender diversity in mitigating emissions is identified, although this effect remains strongly mediated by macroeconomic factors and the national energy profile.The observed glass cliff phenomenonwhereby women are appointed to senior leadership roles during periods of crisis or downturnamong female executives underscores the necessity for a more in-depth analysis of the institutional context in which leadership is exercised.The scientific novelty lies in the integrated examination of political and corporate power as determinants of sustainability amidst systemic crises.These findings have direct applicability to the formulation of public policies and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, demonstrating that gender diversity is a critical instrument for accelerating the green transition and achieving socio-economic stability in Europe.