KEEP TRACK OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE EU INSTITUTIONS WITH OUR MOVERS AND SHAKERS COLUMN

is the editor of Dods People EU and the European Union and Public Affairs Directory

The new year has brought about significant changes in Europe, starting with the sombre news of the death of the President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, a week before the end of his term. As flags fly at half-mast and leading European Union figures pay tribute to the Italian Social Democrat, Parliament bids farewell to those leaving and welcomes the new members. Sven Giegold left the European Parliament after the new German government was announced to become State Secretary in the Economy and Climate Ministry. Malte Gallée has replaced him and is dedicated to policies that put “climate protection first, agriculture that protects our natural resources and fair trade relations that take structural disadvantages into account.” Dutch MEP Liesje Schreinemacher is now her country’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. As a previous member of the JURI and INTA Committee, her mission is to work on “strengthening the international economic position of the Netherlands and seek to help people in vulnerable places around the world.” Catharina Rinzema has joined Parliament as her replacement. Norbert Neuser has handed over his mandate to Karsten Lucke. As the Vice-chair on the Development Committee (DEVE) Neuser was involved in strengthening electoral management in African countries. Lucke has been involved in European education in the Europahaus Marienberg for almost two decades and is keen to contribute to developing Europe’s role in the world. Ilan De Basso has joined the European Parliament on behalf of the S&D Group and is eager to work on policies that revolve around “secure jobs, a fair climate change and safeguarding democracy.” Roberta Metsola, one of the most influential female MEPs, is the new President of the European Parliament. Chosen by the European People’s Party as their candidate the former lawyer has held several high-level positions in Parliament since her election in 2013. A graduate of the College of Europe, Metsola become one of Malta’s first female Members of the European Parliament, the first Maltese MEP to become a Vice-President and was elected as a Vice-chair of the PETI Committee. The fight against gender inequality and discrimination has remained one of her closest political concerns and her ideal equality policy is with the phrase “empowered women, empower women.” In political group news, the Greens/EFA Group have re-elected Presidents Ska Keller and Philippe Lamberts with Jordi Solé as First-Vice President and EFA President. Rasmus Andresen is the new Spokesman of the German delegation and is looking forward to “supporting the cooperation between Berlin and Brussels.” Michal Wiezik has left the European People’s Party due to his dissatisfaction with the group’s stance on the environment.