Looking back at the last legislative term, what were the most significant achievements or challenges you faced as a young member of the European Parliament?
As a young member of the European Parliament, I think one of my biggest achievements is being able to reach deals on my reports (the European Long-Term Investment Fund, Eltif, and instant payment) across the political groups. As I come from a group more critical towards European integration, and being young (which is sometimes truly a disadvantage in certain European cultures due to the hierarchical traditions), it sometimes feels as an uphill battle to be taken seriously. But if you are committed to reaching an outcome, and know how to effectively communicate, much can be achieved.
How do you think your age and generational perspective have influenced your work and decision-making in the European Parliament? Can you provide examples of issues where your perspective differed from older colleagues?
I think politically I agree more with most 'older' MEPs, than with the MEPs from my generation.
Most of the colleagues from my generation truly believe in more EU integration, more global governance and have a more cosmopolitan worldview. In that sense, politically I combine the political style and communication of my generation, but share more political ideas with the older generation. A clear example is The Conference on the Future of Europe. Where I felt much more aligned with the older generation of MEPs who believe in guarding the current EU treaties. Instead of many younger colleagues who want to open the treaties for more EU integration. Also, I align better with the older generation when it comes to fiscal policy. In contrast to my younger colleagues, I believe a euro spent today needs to be earned and paid back another day.
Climate change is real and a problem that transcends generations. I believe this realisation is common amongst most of my fellow MEPs, independent of age.
Have you encountered any obstacles or biases in the European Parliament based on your age?
Not really.
What are your expectations and priorities for the upcoming legislative term in the European Parliament? Are there specific issues or policies that you believe require urgent attention, especially from a youth perspective?
I believe that my generation needs to prioritise financial and fiscal sustainability. On the current trajectory, my generation will be in debt by such an amount as never seen before in history. We need to talk about being more prudent on government spending, lowering debt and making sure we will never accept common European debt as it will only postpone (or even prevent) necessary reforms and austerity.
In light of recent youth-led movements and activism across Europe, such as climate strikes and social justice movements, how do you see the role of young MEPs in amplifying these concerns and translating them into policy actions at the European level?
Climate change is real and a problem that transcends generations. I believe this realisation is common amongst most of my fellow MEPs, independent of age.
However, for many politicians of my generation the topic is now mostly used as a political business case to gain media attention. The same goes for social justice movements. It is often perceived that these are topics that are typically only addressed by my generation. I don't believe that.
How do you see the overall representation of young people in the European Parliament? What reforms or changes would you advocate for to enhance the representation and voice of young MEPs in the future?
I wouldn't change anything. Every EU citizen of 18 or older is already able to become a candidate to become an MEP. That being said, I do believe it is only logical that people with certain merits or skills acquired through (life)experience are more often elected.
Most young people tend to see the world as it should be, not as how it is today. I believe the latter creates a more realistic and coherent policy.
The most important files Hoogeveen worked on for the last legislative term 2019-2023:
