FMA Annual Events
April 2024
FMA Annual Events: A Celebration of Unity, Democracy, and Remembering
European Parliament Former Members Association (FMA)
Annual Events 8-10 April 2024
THE FMA ANNUAL EVENTS STAND AS A SYMBOL OF COOPERATION, CONVERSATION, AND REFLECTION.
From 8 to 10 April 2024, the Association of Former Members of the European Parliament (FMA) had a special “Visit to Belgium”, coinciding with the current Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU and its annual events, emphasizing the crucial themes of unity, democracy, and remembrance.
This gathering for three days in Brussels was made of engaging meetings among former colleagues and representatives. Beyond professional discussions. It is also an occasion for collective reflection on European values and a moment of commemoration through the Memorial Service for the deceased former members of Parliament. The FMA’s Annual Events comprised three distinct yet complementary gatherings: the Annual Memorial Service, the Dinner Debate, and the Annual General Assembly, all woven together to foster moments of sharing, debate, and unity among participants.
MONDAY 8 APRIL – VISIT TO BELGIUM – DINNER WITH INVITED GUEST SPEAKERS
The kick-off dinner, graced by guests-speakers Mathieu Grosch, Belgian former MEP, and Manu Desutter, President of the Association of Former Members of Parliament, Former Senators and Former Members of the European Parliament, set the tone for the two days “Visit to Belgium” of insightful discussions and exchanges about the Belgian Presidency. Mr Grosch advocated for greater alignment between Belgian and EU systems, while Desutter underscored the importance of leveraging EU influence to foster unity among member states.
TUESDAY 9 APRIL – VISIT TO BELGIUM – MEETINGS WITH BELGIAN GOUVERNMENT AND FEDERAL PARLIAMENT REPRESENTATIVES
The inaugural high-level debate, featuring H.E. Ambassador W. van de Voorde, delved into multifaceted issues ranging from the rule of law to EU competitiveness. Ambassador van de Voorde reiterated the Belgian Presidency’s commitment to unity and strength, encapsulated in the slogan of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union: PROTECT, STRENGTHEN, AND PREPARE.
The FMA Visit to Belgium continued with a presentation of the Belgian Institutional System by Pieter Caboor, Director of the Legal Department of the Chamber, and a guided tour of the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate.
Senator Gaëtan Van Goidsenhoven, co-president of the Federal Advisory Committee on European Affairs (FACEA), emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering political dialogue. Meanwhile, André Flahaut, Member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, highlighted the potential for EU strengthening through unity among member states.
|
|
|
|
|
|
TUESDAY 9 APRIL – FMA ANNUAL EVENTS – ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE
The solemn 2024 Annual Memorial Service, held under the patronage of the European Parliament, honoured deceased former MEPs, with heartfelt tributes from FMA President Klaus Hänsch, First Vice-President Othmar Karas and former EP and FMA President Pat Cox. The service underscored the enduring legacy of those who dedicated themselves to the European project.
FMA Vice-President Monica Baldi conducted the Roll Call. The Annual Memorial Service was accompanied by classic guitar music of Koen Claeys.
|
|
|
|
|
|
A recording of the Annual Memorial Service is available via the FMA website with interpretation in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
TUESDAY 9 APRIL – FMA ANNUAL EVENTS – COCKTAIL AND DINNER DEBATE
After the Memorial Service, on 9 April 2024, FMA President Klaus Hänsch and the Members of the Management Committee organised a Cocktail Reception and Dinner Debate at the European Parliament. The event saw a gathering of esteemed individuals from various spheres of European governance and society. The audience, comprising former MEPs, current MEPs, and esteemed guests, added valuable perspectives to the discourse.
Mr Stefano Mallia, President of the Emloyers’ Group, gave a keynote speech as an Inviter Speaker at the Dinner Debate. Mr Mallia’s insightful address shed light on the pivotal role of the EESC as the ‘House of social society’ and emphasized the importance of EU policies in everyday life. His words resonated deeply, underscoring the commitment to making EU policies relevant and accessible to all. Following Mr. Mallia’s address, an engaging exchange of views ensued, facilitated by FMA members, contributing to a dynamic dialogue on pressing European issues.
|
|
|
|
WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL – FMA ANNUAL EVENTS – ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
On 10 April 2024, the 23th Annual General Assembly of the Association of Former Members of the European Parliament was held at the European Parliament in Brussels. The assembly has features the election of a new Management Committee, shaping the future trajectory of the FMA and its mission.
Once a year, members meet to review a year of intense work, discuss the Association’s current activities and present their own proposals. It is an opportunity to stay in touch and catch up with former colleagues.
|
|
|
Former President of the European Parliament Klaus HÄNSCH was re-elected as President of the European Parliament Former Members’ Association (FMA).
The Association is traditionally presided by a Former President of the European Parliament.
The following members were also elected and will now serve on the Management Committee, composed of ten members:
Monica BALDI, Jean-Pierre AUDY, Paul RÜBIG, Edward McMILLAN-SCOTT
Following the first meeting of the Board of the Management Committee on 10 April 2024, you will find below the members of the Association’s Bureau:
President – Klaus HÄNSCH Vice-President – Monica BALDI Treasurer – Jean-Pierre AUDY Secretary – Teresa RIERA MADURELL
You can find the full composition of the FMA board, formed by ten members, on the FMA website.
ABOUT THE FMA
The Former Members Association of the European Parliament (FMA) aims at availing of the experience and expertise of former MEPs. The FMA is involved in a wide range of activities including seminars, study visits, university lectures, democracy building, and the spreading of information about the European Parliament and the EU. FMA members are engaged in Democracy Support and Election Observation missions fostering the co-operation with universities by participating pro-bono in the educational programme “EP to Campus”.
PRESS CONTACT – Valerie Raskin
Email: formermembers@europarl.europa.eu
Tel. +32 (0)2 284 07 03