AALEP WELCOMES WOMEN MEPs AS EMERITUS MEMBERS

A number of distinguished women MEPs have recognized the importance of AALEP’s ‘Women in Government Relations’ initiative and accepted to serve as Emeritus Members. They include:

1. Ms. Britta THOMSEN, Denmark , Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament
2. Ms. Véronique MATHIEU HOUILLON, France, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
3. Ms. Elisabeth MORIN-CHARTIER, France, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
4. Ms. Hiltrud BREYER, Germany, Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance
5. Ms. Godelieve QUISTHOUDT-ROWOHL, Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
6. Ms. Silvana KOCH-MERIN, Germany, Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe
7. Ms. Barbara MATERA, Italy, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
8. Ms. Amelia ANDERSDOTTER, Sweden, Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance
9. Ms. Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT, Sweden, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
10. Ms. Fiona HALL, United Kingdom , Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe
11. Ms. Mary HONEYBALL, United Kingdom, Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament
12. Ms. Julie GIRLING, United Kingdom, European Conservatives and Reformist Group

We are pleased that except for the Confederal Group of the European United Left-Nordic Green Left and Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group, all other European political parties count at least one representative (Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats); Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament; Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe; Group of the Greens/European Free Aliance; and the European Conservatives and Reformists Group.

The AALEP Emeritus Membership status is reserved for women who have displayed an exceptional commitment to helping other women succeed in the field of government relations, public affairs and public policy advocacy and who have also achieved notable personal success in that endeavour. Emeritus Membership is intended to recognize the most outstanding women individuals for their past and current dedication and efforts for the advancement of women in politics. The experience and knowledge gained by women MEPs is one of a kind and invaluable and can help support other women desirous to enter the world of politics and public affairs.

An Emeritus member is free from payment of dues and has no designated responsibilities. The Emeritus member is welcome to participate as a non-voting member of the Board or to serve on special projects or committees by request.

Rights and Duties of Emeritus Members:

• Emeritus members may attend all congresses and symposia organised by AALEP;
• Emeritus members may present papers at congresses and symposia;
• Emeritus members may attend General Assembly but have no voting rights in its decisions;
• Emeritus members cannot be elected as members of the Board;
• Emeritus members are exempt from paying annual membership dues.

Emeritus Members are free to participate in the same technical, liaison, and advocate tasks as active members as they see fit. This role allows them to provide valuable feedback in an ad-hoc manner. However, Emeritus Members are not permitted to participate in tasks that exercise the decisional authority granted to the AALEP Board, but, are free to share their thoughts and opinions on matters that are being decided. Emeritus Members may meet individually and collectively with AALEP members, mentor young women, write articles and/or give speeches whenever the need arises. Emeritus Members are invited to welcome women participants in AALEP ‘Professional Development Day’ in the European Parliament. The ‘Professional Development Day’ is an opportunity for women to engage and network and learn from each other, learn about the current status of key legislation, attend committee meetings of interests etc.

Emeritus members are not expected to participate regularly in AALEP , but they can participate as they see fit.