On April 1st, ASSEDEL hosted a training session with Catarina Vieira, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the Greens/EFA group. At 28, she is one of the youngest MEPs and describes herself as a European at heart—born in the Azores, Portugal, she studied in the Czech Republic before moving to the Netherlands in 2017, where she was later elected to the European Parliament. Her international background and experience bring a unique perspective to her work in EU politics.
The session was structured as a Q&A, allowing for an open discussion in which Catarina answered questions on her political trajectory, the functioning of the European Parliament, and the challenges of policymaking at the EU level.
She provided insights into the role of the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI), which operates under the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and focuses on human rights issues outside the EU. She also discussed the process by which committee memberships are determined at the beginning of each legislative term.
Reflecting on her path into politics, Catarina outlined the steps to joining a political party and the challenges of running a campaign. She also spoke about her early political engagement through youth activism and how her professional background contributed to her understanding of EU institutions.
A significant part of the discussion focused on the internal dynamics of the Greens/EFA group, which brings together MEPs from various national parties. She explained how internal debates play a crucial role in shaping a cohesive political stance and highlighted the function of shadow rapporteurs in developing legislative amendments.
Catarina also addressed the challenges of taking political positions, balancing personal convictions with the responsibility of representing a diverse electorate. Finally, she underscored the importance of mental health, particularly when working on human rights issues, where exposure to complex and distressing realities is a constant challenge.
The session provided valuable insights into the decision-making processes within the European Parliament, offering a deeper understanding of the political and institutional challenges faced by MEPs. We extend our gratitude to Catarina Vieira for sharing her expertise and experience with us.