Former Romanian Justice minister, Monica Macovei received the majority of votes from the Romanian jury to represent Romania in the European Women 2008 contest. The jury, made up of journalists, NGO representatives, cultural personalities, politicians and business representatives considered that Macovei meets the criteria to represent our country at the European level.

Macovei won against Margareta Matache, Romania CRISS executive director who stands up for the rights of the Rroma community and equality of chances. Another counter candidate Macovei faced was Anamaria Marinca, main character in 4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days, Romania's most famous movie awarded with various European and international prizes.

Former Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, now Links Associates company director, Corina Vintan was mandated by the International Association for European Women Promotion to organize this contest in Romania. She declared that it was hard to find the women to get involved.

The main six personalities to enter into competition were: Monica Macovei, Anamaria Marinca, Margareta Matache, Iulia Motoc - UN's youngest raporteur in the history of the institution, Marta Petreu - philosophy teacher in Cluj and Andreea Marin Banica, television producer.

The main criteria of selection: promotion of European values and Europe's role in the world, commitment and personal initiatives to sustain the European integration process and original and efficient initiatives undertaken by the candidate.

The prize is awarded every four years. In last year's edition Romania was represented by actress Maia Morgenstern.