More action is needed to ensure that the number of women in top jobs within the European Union (EU) increases, it has been claimed.

This is the opinion expressed in a new report, which claimed that growing the number of female executives in the region would help to boost the economy.

Presented by the European Commission, the study notes all EU central bank governors are male, while just one in ten board members of the biggest listed companies in Europe are women.

Entitled More women in senior positions - key to economic stability and growth, it revealed Norway is the only nation approaching a gender balance on the boards of its biggest listed firms, with 42 per cent of members now female, although greater equality was found to increase business profits.

"If Europe is serious about getting out of the crisis and becoming a competitive economy through smart and inclusive growth then we have to make better use of women's talents and skills," EU commissioner for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship Viviane Reding stated.

The EU executive plans to unveil a new strategy for gender equality later this year.