MOST INFLUENTIAL MEPs BY COUNTRY

Source: VoteWatch (September 2017)

Austria

1. Othmar Karas, member of the Austrian People’s Party (EPP). Karas is the Chair of EP Delegation to the relations with Russia, as well as the Head of the Austrian delegation in the EPP. He also drafted a report on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms.
2. Ulrike Lunacek, member of the Greens (Greens/EFA), is one of the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament and she is in charge of EMAS and the European Political Parties (among other responsibilities). She also drafted several reports concerning Kosovo.
3. Josef Weidenholzer, member of the Social Democratic Party of Austria (S&D), is the Vice-Chair of his political group, S&D. He also drafted opinion reports on issues such as the action plan on retail financial services, as well as the dissemination of Earth observation satellite data for commercial purposes.

Belgium

1. Guy Verhofstadt, member of the Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats (ALDE/ADLE), has been the chair of his political group since 2009. Before joining the EP, he served as the Prime Minister of Belgium from 1999 to 2008. He is also  EP’s coordinator on the Brexit negotiations. Finally, he drafted a report on the possible evolution and adjustments of the current institutional set up of the European Union.
2. Gérard Deprez, member of the Reformist Movement (ALDE/ADLE). He is one of the ‘veterans’ of the EP, as he was first elected as an MEP in 1984. Deprez is the political coordinator of his political group in the Committee on Budgets and  the Vice-Chair of the EP Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly. He drafted several budget-related reports, such as the amendments to the 2014 budget. He is also working on the reform of the European Union’s system of own resources.
3. Anneleen Van Bossuyt, member of the New Flemish Alliance (ECR) is the Chair of the key Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection. Bossuyt is also drafting a legislative report on European services e-cards and related administrative facilities and another report on a Union certification system for aviation security screening equipment.

Bulgaria

1. Iskra Mihaylova, member of Movement for Rights and Freedom (ALDE/ADLE), is Chair of Committee on Regional Development. She drafted several Parliamentary reports, concerning issues such as specific measures for Member States affected by natural disasters and financial management for Member States experiencing serious difficulties with respect to their financial stability.
2. Sergei Stanishev, member of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (S&D). In the EP, Sergei is the Vice-Chair of Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, as well as the Vice-Chair of the EP Delegation to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. He is also the President of the Party of European Socialists.
3. Angel Dzhambazki, member of the Bulgarian National Movement (ECR) is the deputy coordinator of his group in the Committee on Legal Affairs and the Vice-Chair of EP Delegation to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. He also working on the extension of the Hague Convention on Child Abduction.

Croatia

1. Dubravka Šuica, member of the Croatian Democratic Union (EPP) is one of the Vice-Chairs of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chair of Delegation for relations with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo. She is also drafting a report on the link between EU external relations and  women’s empowerment.
2. Ruza Tomasic, member of the Croatian HKS party (ECR). Rapporteur on multi-annual plan for small pelagic stocks in the Adriatic Sea
3. Ivan Jakovcic, member of ALDE, Vice Chair of EP Delegation to Albania

Cyprus

1. Neoklis Sylikiotis, member of the Progressive Party of Working People is one of the Vice-Chairs of GUE/NGL group, as well as the Chair of the EP Delegation for relations with Palestine. He also drafted a report on working conditions and precarious employment.
2. Lefteris Christoforou, member of the EPP. Rapporteur on the mobilization of the European Global Adjustment Fund for the publishing sector in Greece;
3. Costas Mavrides, member S &D. Opinion Rapporteur on Structural Reform Support Programme 2017-2020

Czech Republic

1. Pavel Telička, member of ANO 2011 (ALDE/ADLE)is one of the Vice-Presidents of European Parliament and his responsibilities include chairing the Working Group on ICT Innovation Strategy. He is also one of the Vice-chairs of ALDE/ADLE group, as well as the political coordinator of the same group in Committee on Transport and Tourism. He also drafted a report on the Aviation strategy for Europe.
2. Pavel Svoboda, member of the Christian and Democratic Union– Czechoslovak People’s Party (EPP). Svoboda is the Chair of Committee on Legal Affairs. He drafted reports on several issues, such as the limitation periods for traffic accidents and a report on the verification of credentials.
3. Dita Charanzová, member of ANO 2011 (ALDE/ADLE) is one of the Vice-Chairs of Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the political coordinator of her political group in the same committee. She drafted reports on important pieces of legislation, such as the report on accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies, as well as the report on simplification of the transfer of motor vehicles registered in other Member States.

Denmark

1. Morten Helveg Petersen, member of the Danish Social Liberal Party (ALDE/ADLE) serves as one of Vice-Chairs of the key Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. He also drafted a report on the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators.
2. Jeppe Kofod, Vice Chair of the S&D Group
3. Morten Lokkegaard, Member of ALDE. Rapporteur on Accessibility reqiorements for products and services.

Estonia

1. Kaja Kallas, member of the Estonian Reform Party (ALDE/ADLE) drafted a report on the digital single market act (policy area in which she is very active), but also on other topics, such as the Union legal framework for customs infringements and sanctions. She is also the Vice-Chair of the EP Delegation to Ukraine.
2. Marju Lauristin, S&D Rapporteur on personal data protection
3. Indrek Tarand, Political Coordinator of Greens/EFA in CONT

Finland

1. Heidi Hautala, member of the Green League (Greens/EFA). Hautala was first elected as an MEP in 1995 (year of Finnish accession to the EU). She is one of the Vice-Chairs of Greens/EFA group. She is also the coordinator of her political group in two different committees, the Committee on International Trade and the Committee on Legal Affairs. She is also very active in drafting opinion reports on several subjects, such as the deforestation of rainforests and the contracts for the online and other distance sales of goods.
2. Petri Sarvamaa, Political Coordinator of the EPP in CONT
3. Sirpa Pietikäinen, member EPP, Rapporteur on European venture capital funds

France

1. Sylvie Guillaume, a member of the Socialist Party (S&D). Sylvie is one of the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament and, among her responsibilities, she is in charge of Information Policy, Press and Citizens Relations, as well as the European Citizens’ Prize. She also drafted a report on the EU common list of safe countries of origin.
2. Jean-Marie Cavada, member of the Generation Citizens (ALDE/ADLE)is the Vice-Chairs of the Committee on Legal Affairs and the coordinator of his political group in the same committee.  He is very active in drafting reports, as well as opinion reports. For instance, he drafted the report on cross-border portability of online content services in the internal market.
3. Alain Cadec, member of the Republicans (EPP)is the Chair of Committee on Fisheries. He drafted several reports related to this policy areas, such as the report on the landing obligation in Common fisheries policy, as well as a report on the cooperation between the Community Fisheries Control Agency, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency and the European Maritime Safety Agency.

Germany

1. Manfred Weber, member of the Christian Social Union (EPP) is the Chair of the largest group in the European Parliament, the European People’s Party. He first joined the European Parliament in 2004 and he was one of the Vice-Chairs of the EPP during the last term.
2. Bernd Lange, member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (S&D), is the  Chair of the powerful Committee on International Trade. Lange drafted several trade related reports, such the recommendations to the European Commission on the negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).
3. Ingeborg Grässle, member of the Christian Democratic Union (EPP), is the Chair of the Committee on Budgetary Control. Grässle also drafted several reports on topics such as the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law, the secretariat of the Supervisory Committee of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), as well as the simplification of the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union.
4. Peter Simon, member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (S&D) is the political coordinator of S&D in the Committee of Inquiry into Money Laundering, Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion (PANA).  Simon was assigned several reports related to EU financial policy: Capital Requirements Regulation, Capital Requirements Directive, Information accompanying transfers of funds, as well as a Common system of value added tax (VAT).

Greece

1. Dimitros Papadimoulis, member of SYRIZA (GUE-NGL), is one of the Vice-Presidents of European Parliament. Among his responsibilities as VP, he is in charge of gender equality and he chairs the high-level group on Gender Equality and Diversity.
2. Kostas Chrysogonos, member of SYRIZA (GUE-NGL) is a political coordinator of GUE-NGL in the Committee on Legal Affairs. He also drafted reports on several topics, such as the application of the European order for payment procedure, as well as liability, compensation and financial security for offshore and gas operations.
3. Eva Kaili, member of PASOK (S&D)is the Chair of the EP Delegation for relations with NATO, and  the Head of the Greek delegation in S&D. Kaili also drafted an Annual Tax Report.

Hungary

1. József Szájer, member of Fidesz (EPP) is one of the Vice-Chairs of his political group, the EPP. He was also assigned several files concerning delegated and implementing acts, such a report on the mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers.
2. Kinga Gál, member of Fidesz (EPP) is one of the Vice-Chairs of the key Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. She also drafted a report on the European travel information and authorisation system, as well as a report on European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training.
3. Péter Niedermülller, member of the Democratic Coalition (S&D) is a member of the Bureau of the Socialist and Democrats and the treasurer of the group. He also drafted a key report on the European Union Agency for Asylum, which is one of the cornerstones of the reform of the EU asylum framework

Ireland

1. Mairead McGuinness, member of Fine Gael (EPP) has been an MEP since 2004 and she currently serves as one of the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament. Her responsibilities as Vice-President of the institution also regard the management of the conciliation procedure and the implementation of Article 17 TFEU.
2. Brian Hayes, member of Fine Gael (EPP). Rapporteur on the activities and supervision of institutions for occupational retirement provision.
3. Sean Kelly, member of Fine Gael (EPP), Head of Irish Delegation in the EP.

Italy

1. Antonio Tajani, member of Forza Italia (EPP)was elected President of the European Parliament at the beginning of the year. He can boast a long career in the EU institution, as he joined the EP already in 1994. Additionally, he was one of the Vice-Presidents of the European Commission during the second Barroso Commission, as well as one of the Vice-Presidents of the EP from 2014 to 2017. He also chairs the Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean and he drafted a report on payment services in the internal market.
2. Gianni Pittella, member of the Democratic Party (S&D) is the leader of the second largest group in the institution, the Socialists and Democrats. Pittella fist joined the European Parliament in 1999 and he was one of the Vice-Presidents of the institution during the 7th term.  He was one of the candidates for the last election of the President of the European Parliament and he made it to the final run-off against Antonio Tajani.
3. Roberto Gualtieri, member of the Democratic Party (S&D) is the Chair of the powerful Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.  Gualtieri is a prolific rapporteur, especially on economic and financial policy. Among others, he was assigned a report on the harmonised indices of consumer prices and house price index, a report on the extension of the European statistical programme, as well as a report on the harmonisation of gross national income (GNI) at market prices.

Latvia

1. Krišjānis Kariņš, member of the party VIENOTĪBA (EPP)is the head of Latvian delegation in the EPP and the political coordinator of his group in the key Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. He also drafted several legislative files, such as a report on the common rules for the internal market in electricity, as well as a report on the transparency of financial transactions and of corporate entities.
2. Roberts Zile, Vice-Chair of the ECR Group
3. Sandra Kalniete, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group

Lithuania

1. Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, member of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (S&D), is the most influential Lithuanian MEP. She is at her second term in the EP, as she joined the institution already in 2009. She was recently elected as the Chair of Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality.
2. Petras Austrevicius, Chair of EP Delegation to Afghanistan
3. Zigmantas Balcytis, Vice-Chair of EP Delegation to Euronest

Luxembourg

1. Mady Delvaux, a member of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party. She is one of the Vice-Chairs of the Committee on Legal Affairs. She is very active in drafting parliamentary reports concerning several topics, such as a report on the simplification of the requirements for presenting certain public documents in the EU, as well as a report on the controls on cash entering or leaving the Union.
2. Claude Turmes, Political Coordinator of Greens/EFA in ITRE
3. Charles Goerens, Political Coordinator of ALDE/ADLE in DEVE

Malta

1. Miriam Dalli, member of the Maltese Labour Party (S&D) is the political coordinator of her political group in the key Committee on Environment, Health and Food Safety. She was also appointed as the shadow rapporteur of S&D on several files concerning environmental policy, such as the binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030, as well as the reduction of pollutant emissions from road vehicles.
2. Roberta Metsola, Political Coordinator of EPP in LIBE
3. David Casa, Political Coordinator of EPP in EMPL

Netherlands

1. Dennis de Jong, member of the Dutch Socialist Party (GUE-NGL) is  one of the Vice-Chairs of his political group (GUE-NGL), as well as the coordinator of the same group in both the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the Committee on Budgetary Control. He was also assigned some important files, such as the report on 2015 discharge of the EU budget, as well as a report on the legal aid for persons involved in the European arrest warrant proceedings.
2. Marietje Schaake, member of D66 (ALDE/ADLE) is the political coordinator of her political group in the key Committee on International Trade, as well as one of the Vice-Chairs of the EP Delegation for relations with the United States. She also drafted a report on the trade in certain goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
3. Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, member of D66 (ALDE/ADLE), is the political coordinator of ALDE/ADLE in the Committee on Environment, Health and Food Safety. He also drafted a report on the binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030.

Poland

1. Jerzy Buzek, member of Civic Platform (EPP) has had a long political career, both at the national and  European level. Buzek was the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland from 1997 to 2001. Buzek was the President of the European Parliament during the first half of the seventh term, 2009-2012. He is currently the Chair of Committee on Industry, Research and Energy.  He also drafted several reports, such as a report on the measures to safeguard the security of gas supply.
2. Jarosław Wałęsa, member of Civic Platform (EPP)is one of the Vice-Chairs of the Committee on Fisheries. He drafted reports on several subjects, such as temporary autonomous trade measures for Ukraine, the multiannual plan for the stocks of cod, herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea, as well as the imports of textile products from certain third countries not covered by bilateral agreements.
3. Danuta Maria Hübner, member of Civic Platform (EPP) is the chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs. She is very active in drafting reports on several issues, such as the future composition of the European Parliament, the review of the regulation on the statute and funding of European political parties and foundations, as well as the interinstitutional agreement on better law-making.

Portugal

1. José Manuel Fernandes, member of the Social Democratic Party (EPP) is the coordinator of the EPP in the important Committee on Budgets. He also drafted the report on the EU budget for 2016, as well as other budget-related instruments, such as the report on the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI).
2. Carlos Zorrinho, member of the Socialist Party (S&D) is the Head of the Portuguese delegation in S&D, as well as one of the Vice-Chairs of the EP Delegation to Brazil. He is active in drafting reports on issues such as the promotion of Internet connectivity in local communities, but also the programme on interoperability solutions for European public administrations, businesses and citizens.
3. Carlos Coelho, member of the Social Democratic Party (EPP) is the rapporteur on the files concerning Schengen Information System (SIS), in particular regarding border checks, as well as police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters.

Romania

1. Ioan Mircea Pașcu, member of the Social Democratic Party (S&D) is one of the Vice-Presidents of European Parliament and his main responsibilities include the House of European History and multilingualism. He is also the coordinator of S&D in the Sub-Committee on Security and Defence. He drafted a report on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism 2014-2020, as well as a report on the implementation of the common security and defence policy.
2. Adina-Ioana Vălean, member of the National Liberal Party (EPP), is formerly one of the Vice-Presidents of the EP, she is now the Chair of the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. She also drafted a report on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
3. Siegfried Mureșan, member of the People’s Movement Party (EPP) is the spokesperson of the EPP (Party), as well as one of the Vice-Chairs of the Committee on Budgets. He was assigned the key report on the EU 2018 Budget, and he drafted several reports concerning the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.

Slovakia

1. Eduard Kukan, independent member of the EPP, is the former member of the Slovak Democratic and Christian Union – Democratic Party served as Slovakian Foreign Minister from 1998 to 2006. In the EP, he is the chair of the EP delegation to Serbia. He drafted several reports on different subjects, such as a file on the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD), EFSD Guarantee and EFSD Guarantee Fund, as well as a report on the review of the European neighbourhood policy
2. Vladimir Manka, S&D Quaestor
3. Anna Zaborskia, EPP, Head of Slovak Delegation in the EPP

Slovenia

1. Tanja Fajon, member of the Social Democrats (S&D) is the one of the Vice-Chairs of her political group in the EP, the Socialists and Democrats. She drafted a few legislative files, such as a report on visa requirement for Kosovo, as well as a report on the qualification of third country nationals or stateless person as beneficiaries of international protection.
2. Igor Soltes member of Greens/EFA, Vice-Chair of the EP Delegation to Serbia
3. Milan,Zver, Member of EPP, Head of Slovenian Delegation in EPP
4. Romana Tomc, Member of EPP Vice-Chair of the EP Delegation to Japan

Spain

1. Inés Ayala Sender, member of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (S&D)is the political coordinator of her political group in the Committee on Budgetary Control, as well as the Chair of Delegation for relations with the Maghreb countries and the Arab Maghreb Union. Sender drafted several reports related to the discharge of the 2015 EU budget, as well reports on other issues, such as the cross-border exchange of information on road safety related traffic offences.
2. Gabriel Mato, member of the People’s Party (EPP)is the coordinator of the EPP in the Committee on Fisheries. He also drafted a report on the  conservation of fishery resources and protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures, the multiannual recovery plan for Bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, as well as many other reports concerning fisheries.
3. Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, member of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (S&D),is the political coordinator of her group in the powerful Committee on Budgets. She also drafted several reports related to budgetary and financial issues, such as the asset management of Guarantee Fund for external actions, European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD), EFSD Guarantee and EFSD Guarantee Fund. She also drafted the reports on the 2015 EU Budget.

Sweden

1. Cecilia Wikström, member of the Liberal Party (ALDE/ADLE) chairs the Committee on Petitions, as well as the Conference of Committee Chairs, which is made up of all the Committee Chairs of the European Parliament. She was also assigned the key file on the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection.
2. Gunnar Hökmark, member of the Moderate Party (EPP) is the  head of the Swedish delegation in the EPP. He is active in draftin reports on bank recovery and resolution, the Single Resolution Mechanism, as well as the economic policies of the euro area.
3. Linnea Engström, member of the Environmental Party (Greens/EFA) is one of the Vice-Chairs of the Committee on Fisheries, as well as the coordinator of the Greens/EFA within the same committee. She also drafted a report on the sustainable management of external fishing fleets.

United Kingdom

1. Claude Moraes, member of the Labour Party (S&D) is the Chair of the influential Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE). He is a prolific rapporteur in the EP. Among others, he drafted a report on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly skilled employment, as well as a report on the repeal of obsolete acts from the Schengen acquis.
2. Julie Girling, member of the Conservative party (ECR) is the political coordinator of her political group in the Committee on Environment, Health and Food Safety. She worked on important legislative files, such as the report on enhancing cost-effective emission reductions and low carbon investments, the report on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, as well as EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) on aviation activites.
3. Syed Kamall, member of the Conservative Party (ECR) is the Co-Chair of the third largest group in the EP, the European Conservatives and Reformists.  Kamall is also the co-founder of the Global Business Research Institute and has written several publications on multinational business and telecommunications policy.

Alphabetical Listing

1. Austrevicius, Petras
2. Ayala Sender, Inés
3. Balcytis, Zigmantas
4. Blinkevičiūtė, Vilija
5. Buzek, Jerzy
6. Cadec, Alain
7. Casa, David
8. Cavada, Jean-Marie
9. Charanzová, Dita
10. Christoforou, Lefteris
11. Chrysogonos, Kostas
12. Coelhon, Carlos
13. Dalli, Miriam
14. de Jong, Dennis
15. Delvaux, Mady
16. Deprez, Gérard
17. Dzhambazki, Angel
18. Engström, Linnea
19. Fajon, Tanja
20. Fernandes, José Manuel
21. Gál, Kinga
22. Gardiazabal Rubial, Eider
23. Gerbrandy, Gerben-Jan
24. Girling, Julie
25. Goerens, Charles
26. Grässle, Ingeborg
27. Gualtieri, Roberto
28. Guillaume, Sylvie
29. Hautala, Heidi
30. Hayes, Brian
31. Hökmark, Gunnar
32. Hübner, Danuta Maria
33. Jakovcic, Ivan
34. Kaili, Eva
35. Kallas, Kaja
36. Kalniete, Sandra
37. Kamall, Syed
38. Karas, Othmar
39. Kariņš, Krišjānis
40. Kelly, Sean
41. Kofod, Jeppe
42. Kukan, Eduard
43. Lange, Bernd
44. Lauristin, Marju
45. Lokkegaard, Morten
46. Lunacek, Ulrike
47. Mankan Vladimir
48. Mato, Gabriel
49. Mavrides, Costas
50. McGuinness, Mairead
51. Metsola, Roberta
52. Mihaylova, Iskra
53. Mircea Pașcun, Ioan
54. Moraes, Claude
55. Mureșan, Siegfried
56. Niedermülller, Péter
57. Papadimoulis, Dimitros
58. Petersen, Morten Helveg
59. Pietikäinen, Sirpa
60. Pittella, Gianni
61. Sarvamaa, Petri
62. Schaake, Marietje
63. Simon, Peter
64. Soltes, Igor 
65. Stanishev, Sergei
66. Šuica, Dubravka
67. Svoboda, Pavel
68. Sylikiotis, Neoklis
69. Szájer, József
70. Tajani, Antonio
71. Tarand, Indrek
72. Telička, Pavel
73. Tomasic, Ruza
74. Tomc, Romana
75. Turmes Claude
76. Vălean, Adina-Ioana
77. Van Bossuyt, Anneleen
78. Verhofstadt, Guy
79. Wałęsaµ, Jarosław
80. Weber, Manfred
81. Weidenholzer, Josef
82. Wikström, Cecilia
83. Zaborskia, Anna
84. Zile, Roberts
85. Zorrinhon, Carlos
86. Zver, Milan