European Parliament Former Members Association

The European Parliament Former Members Association aims to inform and involve European citizens with policy making by connecting you to former MEPs

[Roberta Metsola @EP_President]

Former President of the European Parliament Klaus Hänsch has passed away.

His @Europarl_EN mourns the loss of a champion of Europe, who took office at a time of profound change for our continent, and who never stopped believing in the potential of this project. 

At our last meeting just a few weeks ago, his unwavering optimism shone through as he described his ongoing efforts to promote civic engagement and nurture young European leaders. 

Europe will miss him. May he rest in peace 🇪🇺

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of Dr Klaus Hänsch, former President of the European Parliament (1994-1997) and of the Association of Former Members of the European Parliament (2022-2026).

“The election of Klaus Hänsch as President of the European Parliament in the years following German reunification symbolised not only a personal achievement, but also an important moment in the history of a Europe striving towards greater unity in diversity and shared responsibility.

His political journey has been deeply rooted in the tradition of European parliamentary democracy and in the conviction that European integration is first and foremost a project of peace, freedom, and solidarity.

Until very recently, President Hänsch guided our association with wisdom and commitment, inspired by the values that unite us as Europeans, and reaffirmed the significant contribution that former Members of Parliament offer to the European project.

He leaves an enduring legacy for both the history of the Parliament and the future of our Association.”

Josep Borrell, FMA President and Former President of the European Parliament

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

✍️ By Hans-Gert Pöttering, Former President of the European Parliament and Former President of the FMA

Hans-Gert Pöttering reflects on his privilege serving as FMA President from 2018 to 2022, cherishing the opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues from his time in office within the EP.

President Pöttering highlights one of the FMA’s publications released during his tenure as head of the organisation. The book, entitled ‘The Present and Future of Europe’, sets out the FMA’s proposal for the Conference on the Future of Europe.

🔗 Read the full article in the FMA Bulletin (page 33): https://t.co/e5wqslWWfZ

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

✍️ By Enrique Barón Crespo, Former President of the European Parliament and Former President of the FMA

Enrique Barón Crespo frames European politics as a school of democracy, peace, and coexistence, particularly for those who fought against domestic dictatorship.

President Barón Crespo underlines that the existence of the FMA encapsulates this daily democratic education. The cultivation of the ‘EP to Campus’ programme allows former Members to impart their wisdom onto the next generation, while contributing to a united Europe.

🔗 Read the full article in the FMA Bulletin (page 32): https://t.co/e5wqslWWfZ

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

✍️ By Pat Cox, Former President of the European Parliament and Former President of the FMA

Pat Cox points to pivotal moments during his FMA presidency through study visits to Iceland, Russia, Turkey, and Tunisia.

President Cox reflects on how these geopolitical engagements demonstrate that while the mandates of the former Members of the European Parliament have concluded, their strategic curiosity and democratic commitment endure.

🔗 Read the full article in the FMA Bulletin (page 31): https://t.co/e5wqslWWfZ

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

✍️ By Klaus Hänsch, Former European Parliament and FMA President

Klaus Hänsch reflects on his presidency of the European Parliament as he came to the end of his mandate as President of the Former Members Association beginning of June.

President Hänsch further reflected on the priorities which guided him through his leadership of our Association: the unity of Europe, the rule of law and the burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence.

🔗 Read the full article in the FMA Bulletin (page 30): https://t.co/e5wqslWWfZ

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

✍️ By Roberta Metsola, President of the European Union

In her article, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, praises the European Parliament Former Members Association’s enduring commitment for Europe. She emphasises how its almost 700 members act as vital ambassadors for the EU.

President Metsola underscores that former MEPs’ experience, reach, and democratic advocacy are essential to defending European democracy, proving that a member's dedication to Europe’s promise persists long after their mandate ends.

🔗 Read the full article in the FMA Bulletin (page 29): https://t.co/e5wqslWWfZ

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

Within the pages of this special edition of the FMA June Bulletin are included the panels of the FMA 25th anniversary exhibition.

The exhibition was curated by FMA Vice-President, Arch Monica BALDI, with the collaboration of the FMA Secretariat: Elisabetta FONCK, Albertina FERREIRA MAGALHAES, Estela ALVAREZ JORDAN, and Camille HOREMANS.

In the June Bulletin you can find quotes from our members that reaffirm the FMA’s commitment to Europe, through our leadership, our institutional partners, our network, our activities, and our bulletins and publications.

🔗 Read more at the FMA Bulletin (page 36-45): https://t.co/e5wqslWWfZ

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

📢 The special edition of the FMA Bulletin 2026 is out now! This June edition focuses on the “FMA 25th anniversary”

➡️Start reading here: https://t.co/e5wqslWWfZ
Available in EN, FR, DE, ES and IT

💡Also included in this edition:
- Upcoming Events🚨
- News from FMA Members 📰
- Recap of our Online Visit to Cyprus 🇨🇾
- Cooperation with EUI 🎓
- EP to Campus programme 📚
- FMA 25th Anniversary Exhibition 🎉

👏 A big thank you to all the contributors: FMA President Josep Borrell Fontelles; European Parliament President Roberta Metsola; Former EP Presidents Enrique Barón Crespo, Pat Cox, Klaus Hänsch And Hans-Gert Pöttering; EUI Secretary General, Ambassador Armando Barucco; and FMA Members: Jean-Pierre Audy, Mariela Baeva, Monica Baldi, José Ramón Bauzá Díaz, Jean-Paul Benoit, Bob van den Bos, Alejandro Cercas Alonso, Josianne Cutajar, Frances Fitzgerald, Cristina Gutierrez Cortines, Edit Herczog, Michael Hindley, Brigitte Langenhagen, Margarida Marques, Miguel Angel Martínez Martínez, Zofija Mazej Kukovič, Cristiana Muscardini, Antigoni Pericleous Papadopoulos, Georgi Pirinski, Manuel Porto, Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl, Teresa Riera Madurell, Paul Rübig, Pedro Silva Pereira, Britta Thomsen, Carole Tongue, and Sir Graham Watson.

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

🇪🇺 Bring Europe closer to your students with the European Parliament to Campus Programme 2026–27!

Are you a university professor, part of a student association, or involved in an academic institution? This programme, organised by the European Parliament Former Members Association gives you the opportunity to invite former Members of the European Parliament to your campus, either in person or online, to share their experience and discuss today's most pressing European and global challenges.

📚 Topics include:
EU policies, artificial intelligence, climate change, European security and defence, human rights, and much more!

With nearly 700 former MEPs from across the EU, the FMA can organise events in all EU languages, giving students a unique opportunity to engage directly with experienced policymakers.

🗓 Application deadlines:
• 10 July 2026 – first semester (September 2026 – January 2027)
• 25 September 2026 – second semester (February–June 2027).

👉 Apply here: https://t.co/f4wRhB0gqx

📘 More info: https://t.co/zxSpRNi800

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

At the Libroum event on 29 June, members and participants reflected on the enduring relationship between Ireland and Europe through a discussion of the book Ón Spidéal go Strasbourg, written by Seán Ó Neachtain.

You can watch the recording here: https://t.co/C8uKEwlAZv

📝 Event report

The conversation highlighted how Ireland’s accession to the EU has transformed the country economically, politically and culturally. As Seán Ó Neachtain pointed out, Ireland has moved “with great benefit from Europe (...) from the bottom of the GDP ladder to now being at the very top”. He emphasised that the country’s openness and its commitment to working with others have been the hallmarks of its EU membership since 1973.

The discussion also touched on the European motto, "United in diversity". Seán Ó Neachtain spoke of the importance of taking different perspectives into account in politics and explained how this diversity lies at the very heart of our Union, whilst ensuring that our fundamental values are upheld.

It was also emphasised that, although Brexit has reshaped the European political landscape, it has not weakened the close ties between Ireland and the United Kingdom. The two countries remain deeply linked through trade and investment.

In her closing address, Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl reminded us that "a language is not only words (...) our mother tongue is part of our identity." The Irish language is not merely a means of communication; it is an expression of a shared history and a sense of belonging to this island nation.

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

📖 JOIN US TODAY AT 17.00 (Brussels time)

The Librorum is back this afternoon with a special online discussion on “Ón Spidéal go Strasbourg”, a memoir by former Member of the European Parliament Seán Ó Neachtain.

We will explore his reflections on the European institutions where he served, in particular the European Parliament and the Committee of the Regions. The conversation will also highlight the significance of the Irish language as a working language within the EU, and Mr Ó Neachtain’s contribution to its recognition and use at institutional level.

With the Irish Presidency of the EU approaching on 1 July 2026, the topic is especially timely.

📆 TODAY, June 29, 2026
🕔 17.00–18.15 (Brussels time)
💻 Online via Zoom

👉 Join here: https://t.co/Hql6IVdWZW

🌍 Simultaneous interpretation is available in English and French.

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

🇪🇺 From July to December 2026, Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, forming the first part of an eighteen-month Trio Presidency with Lithuania (January–June 2027) and Greece (July–December 2027).

📚 As part of the Irish Presidency programme, the FMA is organising, in cooperation with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, a Librorum event on 29 June 2026 (17.00 to 18.15, Brussels time), featuring the presentation of "Ón Spidéal go Strasbourg" by former Irish MEP Seán Ó Neachtain.

🇮🇪 Our engagement with Ireland will continue in October 2026, when FMA members travel to Dublin. This visit connects members’ parliamentary experience with the current EU agenda and strengthens dialogue with European institutions, partners, and citizens.

More than a symbolic journey, the visit offers a valuable opportunity to align parliamentary expertise with current EU priorities and to contribute to discussions shaping Europe’s future.

As Europe faces new opportunities and challenges, the FMA remains dedicated to supporting constructive dialogue and strengthening democratic engagement across Europe.

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

📖 Join us on Monday, June 29 at 17.00 (Brussels time)

The Librorum returns with a special online event dedicated to "Ón Spidéal go Strasbourg", a book by former Member of the European Parliament Seán Ó Neachtain.

The discussion will focus on the chapters of the book devoted to the European institutions in which Mr Ó Neachtain served, namely the European Parliament and the Committee of the Regions.

The event will also address the importance of Irish as a working language within these institutions, as well as the role played by Mr Ó Neachtain in achieving this.
This is a particularly interesting discussion in the run-up to the Irish Presidency of the EU, which begins on 1 July 2026.

📆 June 29, 2026
🕔 17.00–18.15 (Brussels time)
💻 Online

👉 Register here: https://t.co/GjvA8QXlGU

🌍 Simultaneous interpretation in English and French

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

What happens when a parliamentary mandate ends?

Twenty-five years ago, this question inspired the creation of the Former Members Association. In this video, Lord Balfe reflects on the origins of the Association and the vision that brought it to life. Together with our Honorary President, the late Lord Plumb, he played a pivotal role in establishing the FMA and shaping its mission: to maintain connections between former Members of the European Parliament and ensure that their experience, knowledge, and dedication to the European project would continue to benefit future generations.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, this is also an opportunity to remember and honour those who made the Association possible. Earlier this month in Brussels, we listened to Lord Balfe’s reflections on the founding years during the FMA Annual General Assembly (this video offers just a glimpse), hosted an exhibition tracing the FMA’s 25-year history, and honoured those who continue to bring our mission to life.

The anniversary brochure, featuring the exhibition panels and special contributions from former FMA Presidents and European Parliament President Metsola, is available on our website: https://t.co/c3pyXSf4WS

A heartfelt thank you to our 700+ members, and especially to those who joined us in Brussels to celebrate this important occasion. The FMA’s story is, above all, a story of commitment for Europe: past, present, and future.

[Andrius Kubilius @KubiliusA]

Read my 4 arguments for the European Defence Union, elaborated in the keynote “The way to achieve a genuine European Defence Union” delivered at the debate by the European Parliament Former Members Association ⬇️
https://t.co/CUUB0NUQnz

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

Join us on Monday, 29 June 2026, from 17.00 to 18.15 (Brussels time) for a new online edition of Librorum, featuring the presentation of Ón Spidéal go Strasbourg, the latest book by former Member of the European Parliament Seán Ó Neachtain.

The event will open with welcoming remarks from FMA Vice-President Monica Baldi, followed by an introduction by Fearghas Ó Béara, Head of EPLO Ireland. FMA Board Member Michael Hindley will present both the book and its author before Mr Ó Neachtain shares his reflections on the publication and his European journey.

A live Q&A session with participants will be moderated by Michael Hindley, while the event will conclude with closing remarks from FMA Board Member Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl.

Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English and French.

👉 Registration: https://t.co/GjvA8QXlGU

[European Parliament Former Members Association @Europarl_FMA]

We are delighted to welcome former EP President Josep Borrell as the new President of FMA as we celebrate 25 years of our association. We look forward to continuing our shared “Commitment for Europe” under his leadership and to building on the strong foundations that have shaped the association over the past quarter century.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to outgoing FMA President Klaus Hänsch for his dedication, commitment, and leadership over the past four years. His commitment has played a significant role in strengthening the FMA and advancing its mission.

The accompanying photograph captures a truly historic moment from the celebrations of the FMA 25th anniversary: the gathering of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola with former EP and FMA Presidents. From left to right: Hans-Gert Pöttering, Klaus Hänsch, Roberta Metsola, Enrique Barón Crespo, Josep Borrell (current FMA President), and Pat Cox.

As we look to the future, we do so with confidence, inspired by this legacy and united in our continued commitment for Europe.