MEP Nela Riehl named Best Newcomer in European Parliament!

Hamburg Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Nela Riehl (Volt) has been honoured with the prestigious MEP Award for Members of the European Parliament. At the award ceremony in Brussels, she won in the category "Best Newcomer in Parliament." Just one year after entering the European Parliament—where she is part of the Greens/EFA group and serves as Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education—this recognition is an important affirmation for the MEP.

"It's wonderful to receive this recognition for my work," said Riehl. "Because it shows that my efforts are being noticed—both inside and outside the European Parliament. I came to Brussels as a career changer and jumped straight into the work. This is why I bring a fresh perspective: just last spring I was a teacher in Hamburg, and now I lead the important Education Committee in Brussels, where I can directly contribute my experience from the outside. That’s exactly what this award acknowledges—a great confirmation that political engagement is worth it!”

Riehl emphasises that she sees the award as recognition for her entire team. “Our party grew significantly in the European elections, and we had to build a completely new structure in Brussels. Today, we have a real delegation with motivated people from all over Europe who fight for our political vision every day. Without my team, none of this would be possible. So this recognition goes to all of us. But we don’t do politics to win prizes—we do it to create real change.”

Nonetheless, Riehl believes this award sends an important signal that resonates beyond the European Parliament. “I’ve received many congratulations and messages from people who now feel seen: as People of Colour and as women who are politically active. I myself remain a political statement in the European Parliament: one of only four Black MEPs among 720 in total. The group photo from the awards ceremony says it all: there are more men named Thomas on stage than women. We have to work for more diversity in politics, every day. Because we all are Europe!”

About the Award

The MEP Awards are presented annually by The Parliament magazine, with eight categories this year. In addition to Nela Riehl, Dutch Volt MEP Reinier van Lanschot was also nominated.

About Nela Riehl

Nela Riehl (39) worked as a teacher at a school in Hamburg until June 2024. In the European elections, she won one of five seats for the pan-European party Volt. In the EU Parliament, she chairs the Committee on Culture and Education. Riehl is especially committed to the rights of children and young people, advocates for workers' protection, and promotes a feminist foreign policy. She lives in Brussels with her family.

______________

You and us share the same dream of a united, thriving Europe. It really means a lot to us when you make a donation, and if you would like to help us plan ahead with confidence, we thank you for your monthly contribution 💜