European Parliament Members: Experience, Diversity, and Demographics
The composition of the European Parliament is a reflection of the diverse political and professional landscapes of the European Union's member states. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) bring a wide array of backgrounds to the table, ranging from seasoned heads of state to activists and artists, ensuring a multifaceted approach to continental governance.
Key Facts
- Professional Diversity: MEPs include former prime ministers, judges, trade union leaders, and athletes.
- Political Experience: Roughly one-third of MEPs have served in national parliaments, and over 10% have held ministerial roles.
- Gender Progress: Female representation rose from 15.2% in 1979 to 41% following the 2019 elections.
- Dual Mandates: Holding seats in both a national and European parliament was prohibited as of 2009.
- Age Range: The youngest MEP ever elected was Kira Marie Peter-Hansen (21), while the oldest was Manolis Glezos (92 at resignation).
Professional Backgrounds and Political Experience
The European Parliament is characterized by a high level of prior political experience. Approximately one-third of MEPs have previously held national parliamentary mandates, and more than 10% have served as ministers at the national level. It is common to find former prime ministers and former members of the European Commission within the ranks. Additionally, many members have served in local or regional government offices in their respective home states.
Beyond traditional politics, the Parliament welcomes individuals from various professional sectors. Current MEPs include former judges, media personalities, actors, soldiers, singers, athletes, trade union leaders, and political activists.
The role of an MEP often serves as a stepping stone to higher national office. Several former MEPs have gone on to become presidents, prime ministers, or deputy prime ministers. Notable examples include former French presidents Nicolas Sarkozy, François Hollande, Jacques Chirac, and François Mitterrand, as well as former UK Deputy PM Nick Clegg, former Danish PM Helle Thorning-Schmidt, and former Belgian PM Elio Di Rupo.
The Evolution of Dual Mandates
A dual mandate occurs when an individual simultaneously serves as a member of their national parliament and the European Parliament. While this was once more common, it became officially discouraged by various member states and political parties, eventually becoming prohibited in 2009.
Despite the shift, a small number of members maintained dual mandates during the 2004–2009 term. In rare instances, some individuals held triple mandates; for example, Ian Paisley, John Taylor, and John Hume simultaneously served as MEPs, Members of Parliament in the House of Commons, and members of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Gender Representation and Parity
Historically, women have been under-represented in EU politics, including national governments and local assemblies. However, the European Parliament has seen a steady increase in female representation, growing from 15.2% after the first election in 1979 to 41% after the 2019 election.
The European Institute for Gender Equality defines an acceptable ratio for gender parity as being between 40% and 60%, though absolute parity is 50%. Following the 2014 elections, 11 of the 28 member states reached this goal. Interestingly, while nine countries used specific mechanisms to facilitate female representation, only four of those saw women exceed 40% of elected candidates, whereas eight countries reached the goal without such systems.
In the 2019 elections, 308 women were elected, accounting for 41% of the Parliament. Representation varied significantly by country:
- High Representation: Sweden led with 55% female MEPs. Thirteen countries elected between 45% and 55% women, with seven hitting exactly 50%. Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Latvia also reached the 50% mark.
- Low Representation: Cyprus elected zero women, and Slovakia elected only 15%. Other Eastern European nations, including Romania, Greece, Lithuania, and Bulgaria, elected fewer than 30% women.
- Trends: Hungary, Lithuania, and Luxembourg saw the largest gains compared to 2014. Conversely, Malta, Cyprus, and Estonia experienced the sharpest declines in female representation.
| Category/Country | Percentage of Female MEPs | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Overall EU | 41% | 308 female MEPs |
| Sweden | 55% | Highest percentage |
| Luxembourg, Slovenia, Latvia | 50% | Reached gender parity |
| Slovakia | 15% | Low representation |
| Cyprus | 0% | Lowest representation |
Age Demographics
The age range of MEPs is broad, spanning several generations. As of 2019, the youngest person ever elected to the European Parliament is Kira Marie Peter-Hansen of Denmark, who was 21 at the start of the July 2019 session. At the other end of the spectrum, Manolis Glezos holds the record for the oldest MEP; he was 91 when elected in 2014 and 92 at the time of his final resignation in 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dual mandate in the context of the EU?
A dual mandate is when a person serves as a member of both their national parliament and the European Parliament at the same time. This practice was prohibited as of 2009.
How has female representation in the European Parliament changed over time?
Female representation has increased significantly, rising from 15.2% after the first election in 1979 to 41% following the 2019 elections.
What is considered an acceptable ratio for gender parity in the EU?
While 50% is absolute parity, the European Institute for Gender Equality considers a ratio between 40% and 60% to be acceptable.
Who is the youngest person ever elected to the European Parliament?
Kira Marie Peter-Hansen of Denmark is the youngest ever elected, starting her session in July 2019 at the age of 21.
Do MEPs usually have prior political experience?
Yes, many do. About one-third have held national parliamentary mandates, and over 10% have served as national ministers, though many others come from non-political professional backgrounds.