The Parliament Magazine held their annual MEP Awards in the Concert Noble in Brussels on Wednesday 18th March. The Awards “bring together Members of the European Parliament and EU stakeholders to celebrate the work and highlight the outstanding achievements of both new and returning MEPs.” The Awards’ 11th edition was presented by Viviane Reding, MEP and former European Commission Vice-President.
MEPs could be nominated by anyone who thought they had made an excellent contribution in an EU policy area. The Parliament Magazine reviewed nominations and shortlisted three MEPs per category, taking into account breadth and quality of arguments put forward for each candidate. The voting process ran for three weeks in February and was only open to MEPs. The results of the vote were announced at the Awards ceremony.
The Outstanding Achievement Award was won by Jo Leinen. A German national and member of the S&D group, Leinen is “recognised for his years of endeavour in tackling climate change, both within Europe and on the international stage.” He is also President of the European Movement International (EMI).
Similar to last year, the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) outnumbered the other political parties, celebrating winners in 12 out of the 18 categories, including Best Newcomer Eva Paunova from Bulgaria. She commented: “despite working in the European parliament for five years [as an assistant], a lot has changed - these have been stressful and busy times, but I am very thankful for all the people who have supported, energised and inspired me".
Below is the complete list of MEP winners:
- Outstanding Achievement: Jo Leinen, S&D
- Agriculture: Jan Huitema, ALDE
- Animal welfare: Sirpa Pietikäinen, EPP
- Best newcomer: Eva Paunova, EPP
- Corporate governance: Evelyn Regner, S&D
- Development: Davor Ivo Stier, EPP
- Digital agenda: Victor Negrescu, S&D
- Economic & monetary affairs: Pablo Zalba Bidegain, EPP
- Employment & social affairs: Martina Dlabajová, ALDE
- Energy: Adina-Ioana Vălean, EPP
- Environment: Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, ALDE
- Health: Alojz Peterle, EPP
- ICT policy: Paul Rübig, EPP
- Justice & civil liberties: Roberta Metsola, EPP
- Regional policy: Lambert van Nistelrooij, EPP
- Researcher & innovation: Christian Ehler, EPP
- Trade & internal market: Christofer Fjellner, EPP
- Transport: Franck Proust, EPP