Best Newcomer

Awarded to a newly-elected MEP who has already made a mark in the hemicycle or gained a reputation in committee. Who is the one to watch from the 2024 intake?

Daniel Attard MEP (S&D, Malta)
Daniel Attard, a grassroots socialist from Malta, rose from a working-class family to become Mayor at just 20. Now serving as a MEP, he focuses on shaping EU policy in transport and tourism while empowering youth. As Vice-Chair for relations with Iran, he champions human rights, having authored key resolutions against repression. MEP Attard brings an islander’s perspective to Brussels, challenging one-size-fits-all approaches and prioritising people over power.

Thomas Bajada MEP (S&D, Malta)
Thomas Bajada, was elected in 2024 after serving as Technical Attaché at Malta’s EU Permanent Representation. At 30, he is a rising voice in Brussels, championing policies that blend economic growth, social justice, and environmental sustainability, such as the Water Resilience Strategy. As Vice-Chair of the SEArica intergroup and member of the LGBTQI+ intergroup, he advocates for coastal communities and underrepresented voices. He sits on the PECH and ENVI committees and is a substitute in ECON.

Wouter Beke MEP (EPP, Belgium)
Wouter Beke leads the Belgian EPP delegation in his first mandate. He has advocated for European industries as shadow rapporteur on energy-intensive sectors and played a key role in the resolution concerning Belgian-Congolese citizen Jean-Jacques Wondo. A central focus of his work is also strengthening Europe’s resilience through a robust defence industry. Beyond his legislative duties, he is also an active artist—his artwork on Franco-German reconciliation now hangs in Parliament as a symbol of unity.

Borys Budka MEP (EPP, Poland)
Borys Budka, as Chair of the ITRE Committee has played a leading role in shaping key legislative work. He coordinated two reports, two recommendations, and one opinion—most notably on renewing scientific cooperation with Ukraine and on screening foreign investments. He also co-authored a resolution on flood preparedness and contributed to debates on topics such as U.S. export restrictions. In collaboration with MEPs and EUSPA, MEP Budka helped organise an exhibition taking place in June at the European Parliament on the everyday impact of space technologies.

Borja Giménez Larraz MEP (EPP, Spain)
Borja Giménez Larraz, a former APA with a decade of experience, now serves as EPP Vice-Coordinator in the AFCO committee and lead rapporteur on the housing report. He is a strong advocate for his constituency, Aragón, promoting its logistics potential and calling for improved trans-Pyrenean connections. His legislative work also includes the animal transport report and the EU-Mexico trade deal. He is a full member of the TRAN committee and a substitute in the INTA and HOUSE committees.

Małgorzata Gosiewska MEP (ECR, Poland)
Małgorzata Gosiewska, elected in 2024 with the ECR Group, is a committee advocate for human rights and democracy, especially in post-Soviet states. As Chair of the Delegation for relations with Belarus and ECR coordinator in DEVE, she leads on initiatives supporting political prisoners, media freedom, and Belarusian opposition. Her lifelong activism started in her school years, and her leadership inspire action and empower young democratic voices across her native country of Poland and beyond.

Michalis Hadjipantela MEP (EPP, Cyprus)
Michalis Hadjipantela, a member of ECON, SANT, FISC, BUDG, ENVI, and ITRE, brings a strong background in economics and public health, having served as Cyprus’ Minister of Health. In a short time, he has contributed to numerous legislative files, including acting as rapporteur or shadow on the upcoming MFF and Budget 2026. He has also worked on highlighting the intersection of sports and culture, demonstrating his dedication to shaping European policy and addressing key societal issues.

Céline Imart MEP (EPP, France)
Céline Imart is a French MEP elected in 2024. With strong roots in farming, she sees her mandate as a bridge between European institutions and citizens. She plays an active role in three key committees: in AGRI, she serves as rapporteur for the Common Organisation of the Markets; in INTA, she leads on the Macro-Financial Assistance files for Egypt and Jordan; and in BUDG, she has made the effective monitoring of EU funds one of her guiding priorities.

András Kulja MEP (EPP, Hungary)
András Kulja, Vice-Chair of ENVI and surgeon by training, combines his own medical expertise with his political mandate. He champions chronic disease prevention, chairs the MEP Interest Group on Diabetes, and uses social media – with more than 370.000 followers – to reach youth on health awareness. He has led Soil Law trilogues, strengthened toy safety rules, and tackles healthcare workforce shortages and mental health. A respected voice across the health community, MEP Kulja has already hosted 30+ policy events and actively promotes EU health equity and solidarity both in his native Hungary and Europe.

Ciaran Mullooly MEP (Renew, Ireland)
Ciaran Mullooly, a former journalist and TV presenter, passionately advocated for the Just Transition Fund at the beginning of his mandate, drawing from his personal connection to a region impacted by decarbonisation. He also honored the legacy of Ryan Evans, a Reuters employee, supporting his family and promoting freedom of speech. As a strong advocate for disability rights, he founded Lough Ree Access For All and, now as Vice-Chair of the Housing Committee, fights for accessible housing for people with disabilities.

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP (Renew, Ireland)
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú brings a powerful voice to the European Parliament, shaped by her career experience as a barrister and a broadcaster. A committed member of the IMCO Committee and substitute on PETI and TRAN, she champions practical, compassionate policies that protect children, uphold the social contract, and strengthen the single market. MEP Ní Mhurchú works tirelessly to ensure EU decisions improve daily life for citizens. Her collaborative, empathetic approach marks her as a standout candidate for Best Newcomer MEP.

Thomas Pellerin-Carlin MEP (S&D, France)
Thomas Pellerin-Carlin is a leading voice on energy, industry, and climate. A member of the ITRE Committee, he champions the Green Deal and renewable energy, drawing on his past roles at the Jacques Delors Institute and I4CE. He co-chairs the Investment Intergroup and Cleantech Friendship Group and serves as S&D negotiator on energy security. Actively engaging with citizens, he has hosted dozens of conferences and welcomed 250+ students to the European Parliament.

Reinis Pozņaks MEP (ECR, Latvia)
Reinis Pozņaks, a first-time MEP and civic activist, entered the European Parliament in 2024 with no political background but a strong public mandate for his support of Ukraine. As ECR coordinator in SEDE and member of IMCO, he has already made a significant mark. He founded the cross-party Eastern Frontline Group and led The Price of Weakness conference on European defence, quickly establishing himself as one of the Parliament’s most dynamic and solution-driven new voices.

Sabrina Repp MEP (S&D, Germany)
Sabrina Repp (26) is the youngest German MEP. In the Committees on Culture and Education and Regional Development, she advocates for equal opportunities regardless of origin, gender, or place of residence. Raised in a family facing financial challenges in rural Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (East Germany), she fights for social advancement through education and democratic participation. She actively stands against right-wing extremism and antisemitism. Through school tours and women’s cafés, she brings EU politics directly to local communities – committed, approachable, and with a clear stance for democracy.

Nela Riehl MEP (Greens/EFA, Germany)
Nela Riehl, as a teacher and mother of two, understands how education and culture shape who we become. Since being elected for Volt in 2024, she has focused her work in the European Parliament on youth, education, and soft diplomacy as Chair of the CULT Committee. MEP Riehl also works on fair working conditions, social resilience, and lifelong learning as a member of the EMPL Committee, because shaping the future starts with empowering people today.

Antonella Sberna MEP (ECR, Italy)
Antonella Sberna has been a MEP since 2024, elected with the ECR Group, and currently serves as Vice-President. She is responsible for interreligious dialogue and relations with regions and local authorities. She sits on the REGI and HOUS committees and promotes gender equality as part of internal initiatives. Her work combines legislative engagement with a strong commitment to subsidiarity, cohesion, and the role of local institutions in EU policymaking.

Krzysztof Śmiszek MEP (S&D, Poland)
Krzysztof Śmiszek is a Polish lawyer, politician, and human rights activist. A co-founder of the Polish Society of Anti-Discrimination Law, he previously served as a member of the Polish Sejm and as Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice. Elected to the European Parliament in 2024, MEP Smiszek advocates for minority rights and social justice, bringing his expertise in law and activism to his new role as MEP.

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann MEP (Renew, Germany)
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, as the Chair of the new fully-fledged Security and Defence Committee (SEDE), plays a leading role in shaping the EU’s new momentum to develop a genuine European Security and Defence Union. In this capacity, she will play an instrumental role in supporting EU Member States in transforming their defence using the new EU level defence instruments. MEP Strack-Zimmermann will convene the first ever meeting of SEDE with the Defence Committees of National Parliaments in the Autumn of 2025.

Anna Stürgkh MEP (Renew, Austria)
Anna Stürgkh, elected in 2024, brings fresh energy to Brussels. She plays a key role as rapporteur on electricity grids, leading Europe’s push for energy independence. Equally, she also champions consumer rights, with a particular focus on protecting children. As one of the youngest voices in the hemicycle and a young mother herself, MEP Stürgkh combines empathy with purpose. Still early in her political career, she embodies a new generation of leadership in Brussels.

Reinier Van Lanschot MEP (Greens/EFA, Netherlands)
Reinier van Lanschot is a MEP for Volt, committed to a more democratic, sustainable, and united Europe. He works on strengthening European defence, EU-reform and safeguarding democratic values as well as digital rights and relations with enlargement countries like Ukraine and Georgia. As part of the Greens/EFA group, he brings a fresh, citizen-driven perspective to EU policymaking. Before joining the European Parliament, he co-founded Volt Netherlands and co-led Volt Europa, the first pan-European political movement.

Yvan Verougstraete MEP (Renew, Belgium)
Yvan Verougstraete is Vice-President of the ITRE Committee and a member of the IMCO and ENVI Committees. A former entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical sector and founder of Medimarket, he entered politics out of concern for the future of the next generations. Driven by a desire to create, and take action, he brought his entrepreneurial mindset to the European Parliament to tackle today’s crises and shape a better, more sustainable future.

Vlad Voiculescu MEP (Renew, Romania)
Vlad Voiculescu serves as Renew coordinator in the SANT committee. Passionate about health and patient rights, he co-founded and now co-chairs the Intergroup on Cancer and Rare Diseases, launched at the start of this mandate. Through these roles, MEP Voiculescu pushes for fair access to healthcare and stronger EU support for those facing serious health conditions, goals he will work toward, through key legislative files like the pharmaceutical legislation, as well as the Critical Medicines Act.