What challenges must be overcome to achieve parity democracy in twenty-first century Europe? In view of the political participation crisis, most visible in the disaffection of citizens with elections and their mistrust of elected representatives, coupled with the rise of populism, Europe has a role to play in reviving the political debate, particularly in the defence and enforcement of fundamental rights. To address these issues, we analyse how Europe can participate in the advent of a more egalitarian democracy, in keeping with its role in redefining democracy through the lens of parity. We then examine the current challenges that need to be overcome to address this issue from two angles: the connection between descriptive and substantive representation, and the overlap between inequalities and demands from an intersectional perspective.