Source: Renew Europe
On July 23, 2024, three prominent members of Renew Europe were elected to chair key committees in the European Parliament, highlighting the liberal group's influence in shaping European policy.
Ilhan Kyuchyuk MEP, Barry Andrews MEP, and Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann MEP have been appointed as the new chairs of the Committees on Legal Affairs (JURI), Development (DEVE), and the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE), respectively. Their elections underscore Renew Europe's commitment to pivotal legislative and policy areas, including legal affairs, development, and security.
Ilhan Kyuchyuk: Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee
Ilhan Kyuchyuk, the Co-President of the ALDE Party, was elected by acclamation as the Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee. With a career marked by a staunch defense of human rights, Kyuchyuk's third mandate in the European Parliament will see him steering legislation that is central to the rule of law, a core liberal value.
"The legal affairs Committee has a vital legislative competence with an important number of horizontal and institutional responsibilities and I look forward to chairing its work. The Rule of Law is a core priority of liberals and will be a priority for me personally," Kyuchyuk stated, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him by his colleagues.
Barry Andrews: Chair of the Development Committee
Barry Andrews, representing Fianna Fáil from Ireland, was also elected by acclamation as the new Chair of the Development Committee. Having previously served as Ireland’s Minister of State for Children, Andrews brings a wealth of experience to the role, especially at a time when global development and humanitarian aid face increasing challenges.
"The EU is a valued leader on development and humanitarian aid and I will do my utmost to ensure this continues and grows, at a time when populism and isolationism are increasing globally. Conflicts in our neighbourhood, and the need to progress our sustainable development goals show the need for resolute humanitarian and development policies," said Andrews, highlighting the critical nature of his new role.
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann: Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, one of the most vocal critics of Putin's aggression in Ukraine, was elected as Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence. Previously serving as Chair of the Bundestag's Defence Committee, Strack-Zimmermann's leadership is set against a backdrop of heightened security concerns in Europe.
"As SEDE Chair, I will endeavour to find common European solutions to new and existing security challenges. The security and defence of Europe is an absolute priority for Renew Europe. I would like to thank my fellow committee members for their trust," she asserted, emphasizing the necessity for unified European responses to security threats.