Republished with full copyright permissions from The Boston News Tribune.

In January 2022, the election for key posts within the European Parliament took place, resulting in the selection of the new Parliament president, vice-presidents, and quaestors. These individuals form the Bureau, which plays a crucial role in decision-making and internal organization within the institution.

Roberta Metsola: A Dynamic Parliament President

Roberta Metsola, elected as the European Parliament President, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. Serving a renewable term of two-and-a-half years, Metsola’s responsibilities extend to overseeing all aspects of Parliament’s work and representing the institution in legal matters and external relations.

Meet the Vice-Presidents

The Bureau consists of 14 Vice-Presidents who play a vital role in chairing debates when the President is not present in the chamber. The President also has the authority to delegate certain duties to the Vice-Presidents. Let’s take a closer look at some of the Vice-Presidents selected:

1. Othmar Karas (EPP): Access to the MEP’s card (Othmar Karas)
2. Pina Pierno (S&D): Access to the MEP’s card (Pina Pierno)
3. Pedro Silva Pereira (S&D): Access to the MEP’s card (Pedro Silva Pereira)
4. Ewa Kopacz (EPP): Access to the MEP’s card (Ewa Kopacz)
5. Marc Angel (S&D): Access to the MEP’s card (Marc Angel)

These are just a few examples of the dedicated Vice-Presidents who play an integral role in ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament.

Quaestors: Administrative and Financial Matters

The Bureau also includes five Quaestors who are responsible, under the Bureau’s guidance, for addressing administrative and financial matters concerning the MEPs. Let’s take a look at the Quaestors chosen:

1. Anne Sander (EPP): Access to the MEP’s card (Anne Sander)
2. Isabel Wiseler-Lima (EPP): Access to the MEP’s card (Isabel Wiseler-Lima)
3. Monika Beňová (S&D): Access to the MEP’s card (Monika Beňová)
4. Fabienne Keller (Renew): Access to the MEP’s card (Fabienne Keller)
5. Marcel Kolaja (Greens/EFA): Access to the MEP’s card (Marcel Kolaja)

These Quaestors are entrusted with handling financial and administrative matters that directly impact the members of the European Parliament.

Term Duration and Mid-Term Changes

It is important to note that all the aforementioned positions within the Bureau are held for a duration of two-and-a-half years. In both the beginning and mid-term of each parliamentary mandate, MEPs vote for new Presidents, Vice-Presidents, and Quaestors.

Updates and Recent Changes in January and October 2023

In January 2023, MEPs elected Marc Angel (S&D, Luxembourg) as a new Vice-President to replace Eva Kaili (non-attached, Greece), whose term ended in December 2022. Furthermore, Martin Hojsík (Renew Europe, Slovakia) was selected as a new Vice-President, and Isabel Wiseler-Lima (EPP, Luxembourg) as a new Quaestor in October 2023. This came into effect following the departure of Michal Šimečka (Renew Europe, Slovakia) and Cristophe Hansen (EPP, Luxembourg) from the European Parliament after national elections.

The Bureau’s members, comprising the President, Vice-Presidents, and Quaestors, hold critical positions within the European Parliament. Their dedication and expertise are instrumental in guiding the institution’s internal affairs and decision-making processes, ensuring effective governance and representation. Stay informed about Parliament’s leadership and its continuous efforts in driving impactful change within the EU.