Some of the EU's most powerful women urged on Monday European leaders to appoint a woman to the top posts to be decided at this week's summit, saying there was "no lack of names."

The women also called for increased female numbers in the new European Commission to be appointed in coming weeks, saying failure to address the issue "would be bad for Europe, bad for democracy and bad for women."

"The right man in the right job is often a woman. Appointing women would make Europe richer and more representative and bring it closer to all citizens," they said in a letter to the Financial Times newspaper.

"This can happen but it requires some bold decisions."

The letter published Monday is signed by EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes, Swedish EU commissioner Margot Wallstrom and Diana Wallis, vice-president of the EU parliament.

"There is no lack of names; no shortage of qualities and competence," they said.

"When women sit at the table, they can help to ensure that the political decisions reflect the needs of the entire population."

Latvia's former president, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, is among those named in the letter for the possible positions, including the job of EU president.

EU leaders are to decide the posts of the EU's first president and a new foreign policy supremo, both enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty, at a summit in Brussels on 19 November.