Sari Rautio, President of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions and member of the Hämeenlinna City Council, has been elected Vice-President of EPP Women, the women’s organisation of the European People’s Party.
Rautio brings to the role extensive experience from local and regional politics in Finland and at European level. She has served as Mayor of Hämeenlinna and Chair of the City Board (2013–2021), Vice-Chair of the Association of Finnish Municipalities, and since January 2025 as President of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions.
“Europe is built in our cities, regions and villages – and women must be at the decision-making table at every level,” said Sari Rautio. “As Vice-President of EPP Women, I want to help turn our values of dignity, responsibility and solidarity into concrete change in women’s everyday lives.”
In her new capacity as Vice-President of EPP Women, Rautio intends to focus on three core priorities: bringing the voice of cities and regions closer to EPP Women’s work, championing the rights of women in vulnerable situations – including women and girls with disabilities, carers and women in rural areas – and investing in the next generation of women leaders through mentoring, training and peer support.
Sari Rautio aims to use her new role to strengthen cooperation across borders and generations within the EPP family. She will work closely with the newly elected President Mariya Gabriel and the leadership team of EPP Women to advance women’s rights, equal opportunities and inclusive centre-right policies throughout Europe.