Roberta Metsola has been chosen to lead the new European Parliament consisting of 720 members from the EU’s 27 member states. With the inclusion of two new far-right groups, a decrease in female representation since 1979, and an average age of 50, how will the balance of power in the chamber change and how will this impact new legislation?
Last week, committees in the European Parliament held their constitutive meetings to elect leadership for the 20 committees and subcommittees within the institution. This was a significant challenge for the Patriots of Europe, a group founded by Viktor Orbán, which lost chairmanships they had earmarked due to the cordon sanitaire maintained by the centre-right coalition groups. The committees are now preparing to hold their first meetings in September, with new MEPs bringing changes to their composition.
The committees and subcommittees of the European Parliament have seen changes in their composition with the entry of new MEPs in the new mandate. The Environment, Public Health and Food Safety committee remains the largest, joined by the Industry, Research, and Energy committee. The entrance of Patriots of Europe and Europe of Sovereign Nations has shifted the political balance in certain committees, such as agriculture and rural development, which now lean more towards the right.
Following the European elections in June, the new Parliament experienced a decline in female representation, with women making up 38.5% of MEPs, a decrease from the previous legislature. National variations in female representation are stark, with countries like France, Sweden, and Finland having higher percentages compared to countries like Cyprus. Despite this decrease, women hold significant positions in Brussels, including Roberta Metsola as President of the Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen in the European Commission, and Kaja Kallas as the future High Representative.
Young people are also underrepresented in the European Parliament, with the average age of MEPs standing at 50 years old. The youngest and oldest MEPs are part of The Left, with varying representation in different committees. MEPs come from diverse backgrounds, including former European Commissioners, ex-prime ministers, and individuals from various professional backgrounds such as sports, arts, and entertainment. The Parliament aims to accommodate individuals from all walks of life.
The European Parliament provides a platform for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute to legislation and decision-making. From former political figures to professional athletes, influencers, and singers, the Parliament welcomes a wide range of perspectives. With individuals like Vytenis Andriukaitis, Virginijus Sinkevičius, and Adina Vălean bringing their expertise to committees, the Parliament reflects a diverse representation of European society. The inclusion of individuals like ex-footballer Carolina Morace and surgeon-turned-politician András Kulja highlights the varied backgrounds of MEPs in the European Parliament.
