New MEPs on starting block

Born in 1987, Reintke studied political science in Berlin and Edinburgh. Active in politics since the age of 16, she has focused in particular on energy issues, gender equality, queer politics and youth emancipation. As a former spokesperson of the Federation of Young European Greens, she is no stranger to the European Parliament.
Rodríguez-Rubio was born 32 years ago in Rota, Spain. She earned a degree in Arabic Studies from the University of Cádiz and taught Spanish language and literature in secondary education. She has been involved in feminist movements as well as in social and student movements against budget cuts in education.What are your first impressions of Brussels and the Parliament?

Terry Reintke: The diversity, so many people speaking different languages, coming from all over Europe. I always get the impression that what is happening here is so changeable and you can really influence the way that Parliament is working and also the way the European Union is going to be shaped. I find this really thrilling.

Teresa Rodríguez-Rubio: I have not had the opportunity to get to know Brussels yet, but the people seem to be very friendly, smiling and quiet. My first impression of Parliament is a little different: I think that it is big, grey, bureaucratic, inaccessible and difficult to control by newcomers and citizens. That is my first concern.

What are your favourite pastimes while not working?

Terry Reintke: I am a very passionate runner. In April I did the half marathon in Bonn. I also really like playing board games and simply relaxing.

Teresa Rodríguez-Rubio: When I can, which lately is never, I play basketball. I like reading, writing poetry and writing Carnival songs.

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Who are your heroes from world history or from the current day?

Terry Reintke: I was very much influenced by feminist activists; the British suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, or Audre Lorde, who was a black feminist.

Teresa Rodríguez-Rubio: Louise Michel, leader of the Paris Commune, for her courage. Rosa Luxembourg for fighting World War I, for defending social rights and social justice, and being consistent until she was murdered. Closer to Andalusia, Federico García Lorca, who was killed by Franco's army: he is a symbol of the Andalusian people and freedom.

Which issues would you most like to address in your work as an MEP?

Terry Reintke: I really want to work on youth policies, especially with regards to youth unemployment. The youth guarantee is a first step, but I think now it is really important that we make it work. Another aspect is the participation of young people in politics. When we see the turnout of young people in the European election, it is clear there is a problem with the European institutions reaching young people and I would really like to work on changing that.

Teresa Rodríguez-Rubio: I will fight against anti-social aspects of the Free Trade Agreement with the United States (TTIP), which will greatly affect the daily lives of Europeans. I will fight against austerity and cuts in social, labour and people's environmental rights, especially women. I am against Fortress Europe and immigrants' human rights being less respected at the border. I also wish to recover the rights of citizens and peoples at a time when it seems that those who govern Europe are the financial powers and multinationals.