What a year!
Today marks exactly one year since I was sworn in as a Member of the European Parliament – a year full of successes and learning moments.
There were moments of pride.
With my team, we worked very hard to create a science-driven food vision for Europe, and were among the first in Europe to taste lab-grown meat. I took on the rapporteurship for biocontrol, pushing toward a world without chemical pesticides. We reached across the other side of the political spectrum to find common ground with the farmer’s party to reduce polarisation in the debate. I visited Bulgaria’s borders to monitor the implementation of the EU Asylum and Migration Pact and worked together with humanitarian NGOs to visit the Italian detention centres in Albania. I negotiated the EU Talent pool and walked in the forbidden Budapest Pride. And much much more.
There were also moments of real disappointment. Migration policies grow increasingly harsh, and there are fewer voices defending asylum seekers or pushing for practical, humane solutions. I’ve always seen Europe as a defender of human rights, but the total lack of response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza made me question this view.
This first year has made it clear: there are so many things to be hopeful about, and so many things left to fight for.
I am going to recharge and reflect this summer. And then, I’ll be ready to tackle another parliamentary year!