Romania Achieves Significant Representation in the European Parliament with Two Vice-Presidents

Romania has achieved a notable milestone in the European Parliament with the election of two vice presidents: Nicolae Ștefănuță and Victor Negrescu. This accomplishment underscores Romania’s growing influence within the European Union’s legislative body.

Nicolae Ștefănuță

Nicolae Ștefănuță, a member of the Greens/European Free Alliance (EFA) group, has been an MEP since 2019. He has significantly contributed to various parliamentary committees, including the Committee on Budgets and the Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety. His election as vice-president reflects his dedication to environmental issues and budgetary oversight, highlighting his influence and the recognition of his work in European politics​.

Victor Negrescu

Victor Negrescu, representing the S&D group, has a robust European politics and governance background. He previously served as Romania’s Minister for European Affairs and has been a vocal advocate for transparency and the enhancement of EU-wide policies. His election as Vice President adds to his distinguished record, which includes significant contributions to budgetary and constitutional affairs within the European Parliament.​

As vice presidents, Stefanuta and Negrescu will undertake several key responsibilities:

1. Presidential Replacement: They will replace the President of the European Parliament when necessary, including chairing plenary sessions.
2. Bureau Membership: They will be part of the Parliament’s Bureau, which manages internal rules, administrative functions, and budgetary matters.
3. Committee Leadership: They will likely assume leadership roles within various parliamentary committees, influencing policy and legislation in their areas of expertise.

Significance for Romania

The election of Nicolae Ștefănuță and Victor Negrescu as vice presidents marks a significant achievement for Romania, reflecting the country’s growing prominence and active participation in European affairs. This development enhances Romania’s representation and strengthens its voice in the EU’s decision-making processes.

The European Parliament’s leadership team is diverse, representing multiple political groups and member states. This diversity ensures a broad representation of interests and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and democratic decision-making process. The election process for vice-presidents involves rigorous rounds of voting, ensuring that those elected have broad support and legitimacy within the Parliament.