Bernd Lange re-elected Chair of Committee on International Trade
German S&D MEP Bernd Lange will chair Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) for another two and a half years, after his re-election by acclamation on Tuesday.
“This era marks the time when the EU can truly mature as an autonomous and sustainable trading entity. We will continue to chart our own course in a more power-driven world by expanding our network of reliable trading partners, reforming the WTO, and stress-testing our defensive toolbox. A significant task is to ensure that our legislation aimed at making trade more sustainable is implemented in partnership and effectively achieves its objectives. The challenges ahead are manifold, and I am honoured by the trust my colleagues have once again placed in me,” Chairman Bernd Lange (S&D, DE) said after his re-election.
Trade MEPs also elected four Vice-Chairs. Together with the Chair, they make up the Bureau of the committee. The four Vice-Chairs are:
Manon Aubry (The Left, FR) is first Vice-Chair by acclamation,
Iuliu Winkler (EPP, RO) is second Vice-Chair by acclamation,
Karin Karlsbro (Renew, SE) is third Vice-Chair by acclamation,
Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D, BE) is fourth Vice-Chair by acclamation.
The first meeting of the committee after the summer break is planned for 9 September.
Rules of the election
According to the Rules of Procedure (Rule 219), Parliament determines the number of Vice-Chairs upon a proposal by the Conference of Presidents. The composition of the bureau of each committee must reflect the diversity of Parliament, and respect gender balance. It also not possible for all bureau members to come from the same EU country.
Political groups designate coordinators (Rule 220). If necessary, the committee chair can convene a meeting of the coordinators to prepare future committee decisions, in particular on procedure and on the appointment of rapporteurs.
Background
In the tenth legislature, the INTA committee will have 43 members and is responsible for matters relating to the establishment, implementation and monitoring of the EU's common commercial policy and its external economic relations. Its members were appointed during the plenary sitting of 16-19 July 2024.
Contacts:
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Eszter ZALAN
Press Officer