New MEPs: Reflections on first six months of parliamentary term

The new mandate of the European Parliament officially started on 1 July with 751 MEPs from across the continent taking up their seats. Approximately half of those elected last May were not in the previous legislature and we interviewed seven such MEPs following their arrival in Brussels. Almost six months into their five year term, how are they progressing and what are their hopes for 2015? We asked them to share their experiences and thoughts.

Brian Hayes (EPP, Ireland)
There is a clear feeling with a new Parliament and Commission that a fresh start for Europe is possible. I think the biggest problem we face is to constantly explain to citizens in clear language the difference Parliament makes. While industry, the trade unions and NGOs understand fully the new powers of Parliament, can we really say that EU citizens do? As their voice in Parliament we have to succeed in getting our message out there.

Mercedes Bresso (S&D, Italy)

This legislative period will be the one where the European institutions will have to rebuild confidence with European citizens. There is a real danger of failure and this would mean the end of European integration. I will continue to work to prevent that and therefore think we need to give more power to regional and local authorities as this is the way for more democracy and protection for every European citizen.
Ian Duncan (ECR, United Kingdom)

The Parliament has the potential to make a real difference to people's lives but on too many occasions is introspective and unfocused. I want to improve how the EU works by focusing on projects like an energy union and cutting back on red tape for small businesses. With the euro zone teetering on the brink of entering another recession, the Parliament must remember why it exists – to make life better for all of its citizens.
Morten Helveg Petersen (ALDE, Denmark)

The first five months have been confusing, exciting and extremely interesting. The initial days provided practical problems like finding my own office, getting wi-fi access and signing 117 different bureaucratic forms. Now we have big discussions on energy security, the budget and climate. Things are picking up speed with more legislative work on the agenda and I am looking forward to it. This is after all what we have been elected to do.
Teresa Rodríguez-Rubio (GUE/NGL, Spain)

The dangerous presence of the lobbies of big business has been surprising, the pressure they exert and the weight they carry when it comes to decisions affecting their interests, for instance the European carbon market (ETS), the fuel quality directive or TTIP. I have also discovered the big possibilities which exist - by taking the right initiatives and working smartly - to amplify the voice of citizens and social movements in their search for social justice.
Terry Reintke (Greens/EFA, Germany)

 The first months as an MEP have been exciting and challenging. In the beginning it was quite difficult to find my new role but with the support of great colleagues I managed to make my first steps. In the next year I will work on the issues of the inclusion of marginalised communities and women empowerment in the digital age. I am looking forward to the debates and work of the coming years.

Kristina Winberg (EFDD, Sweden)

I have begun to find my way in the corridors, to my committee and delegation meetings. Someone told me that as an MEP it would take at least a year before feeling in control of everything and I think that's true. My first five months have been fantastically interesting and have given me a overview of how things work here. Being a woman of reality, I truly hope I will be able to make a difference.