Plenary Session, Adoption of the report on Quality Traineeships in the EU, 14 June 2023
My legislative initiative on Quality Traineeships in the EU has been adopted in the plenary session of the European Parliament!
As the rapporteur on this crucial file, I am proud to have played a pivotal role in leading the charge for meaningful change, ensuring that young people across the EU have access to paid traineeships that equip them with the necessary skills and learning experience to flourish in today's competitive job market.
The adopted initiative acknowledges the urgent need to establish clear guidelines for traineeships across the EU. It sets standards for working conditions, accessibility, training content, mentorship, and adequate remuneration and compensation, in order to safeguard the rights and dignity of young trainees.
The legislative initiative also seeks to promote access to traineeships for people from vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities. It aims to create an inclusive environment where all individuals have equal opportunities to participate in traineeship programme, ensuring that no one is left behind!
European Youth Event, 9th to 10th June 2023
Europe Day, 9th May 2023
EMPL Committee, Adoption of the report on Quality Traineeships in the EU, 8th May 2023
My legislative initiative on Quality Traineeships in the EU has been adopted in the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs!
As rapporteur for Renew Europe, I firmly stand for the interests and rights of the European youth.
This adoption is a crucial step towards ensuring that traineeships in the EU:
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are paid
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provide a learning experience
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are accessible to people from vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities
Let's stand together and support quality traineeships that provide valuable opportunities for our talented youth!
Grevenmacher Wine Fair, 14th April 2023
Delighted to be in my home town today for the opening of the Grevenmacher Wine Fair to celebrate the local wine culture.
Apart from the wine tastings, the festival also offers a range of food stalls serving local delicacies, live music, and entertainment for all ages!
A must-visit event to experience the rich culture and traditions of Luxembourg!
Conversation about accessibility with a trainee in the European Parliament, 4th April 2023
I was delighted to meet with Félix, a trainee at the European Parliament who has a disability. We discussed the obstacles and difficulties he has faced, ways to enhance accessibility, and how to ensure equal opportunities for everyone.
As rapporteur on Quality Traineeships, I am committed to increasing awareness of how to improve the quality of traineeships for trainees with disabilities. I believe it is vital to listen to their experiences and proposals and incorporate their ideas and wishes in my report.
Women in politics, 23rd March 2023
I was delighted to have the opportunity to exchange with the students of European Business University of Luxembourg and to discuss my personal experience. Women's empowerment starts with equal representation in politics. Unfortunately, in the EU, women still face numerous obstacles when it comes to getting involved in politics. Gender biases, cultural barriers, and lack of support from political parties are just a few of the challenges that women must overcome to make their voices heard 🫱🏾🫲🏽👩🏾
It's time to break down these barriers and create a more inclusive political landscape. Let's empower more women to get involved in politics, encourage them to run for office, and support them every step of the way!
Anti-Racism and Diversity Week, 20th to 22nd March 2023
Together, we have taken a stand against racism and discrimination! We must continue to take action against racism and promote diversity and inclusion. I will make sure that intersectionality is the priority in all the work I do in the European Parliament.
I was also delighted to welcome Madeleine Yougye and Caty Diop from One People - ASBL and Sandrine Gashonga from Lëtz Rise Up this week. It was great to have Luxembourg associations joining forces to defend anti-racism in Brussels!
The Lycée Technique de Lallange - LTL in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, 15th March 2023
Visually Impaired People-Tech-Job Event, 9th March 2023
The Visually Impaired People-Tech-Job project is dedicated to the social inclusion of young visually impaired people and is therefore designed to facilitate and support their access to the job market.
I had the pleasure to host in the European Parliament the closing event of this project.
International Women's Day, 8th March 2023
Happy International Women's Day! Let's celebrate the achievements of women and continue to work towards gender equality. Here's to all the amazing women who have paved the way for us and those who will lead us into the future!
But let's also remember that violence against women is still a major issue. Let's stand together to end domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment. We can make a difference!
The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly brought together members of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries in the European Parliament. This assembly serves as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and decision-making on issues such as trade, development, and human rights. Cooperation and partnership with ACP countries are critical for achieving mutual goals, addressing shared challenges, and promoting global peace and security.
ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, 2nd March 2023
Rare Disease Day, 28th February 2023
I was delighted to be one of the members of the delegation of the Committee on Culture and Education sent to visit Elefsina, Greece, one of the European Capitals of Culture. We explored the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city and learned from its innovative and creative present.
CULT Mission in Elefsina, 20th to 22nd February 2023
Violence against women is unacceptable and must stop! Together with Renew Europe, I am committed to promoting a society where women are safe and can enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms, free from all forms of violence and discrimination.
Violence against women, 14th February 2023
Thank you EURORDIS - European Rare Diseases Organisation for promoting the subject of rare diseases in the European Parliament. Being affected by a rare disease, this topic is at the heart of my priorities, in particular as co-chair of European Parliament Disability Intergroup.
Brussels Rare Disease Week, 8th February 2023
We need more women in finance! I was delighted to meet with the network Female x Finance. Leading gender-mainstreaming in the FISC Subcommittee, I would like to encourage young girls to go into finance to create a strong #network of women in the EU and around the world.
Women in Finance with Female x Finance, 25th January 2023
Anti-Racism Civil Society, 25th January 2023
As co-chair of the Anti-Racism Intergroup in the European Parliament, I called for EU Member States to implement national action plans against racism and to take into consideration intersectionality to combat inequality. The EU must set an example!
I presented my draft report on Quality Traineeships to the members of the EMPL committee in the European Parliament. This report will establish the right conditions for quality traineeships in the EU.
Presentation of my draft report on Quality Traineeships, EMPL Committee, 23rd January 2023
Meeting with His Excellency José Filomeno Monteiro, Ambassador of Cape Verde in Belgium & to the EU, 12th January 2023
As a Cape Verdean descendant and a member of the ACP Delegation in the European Parliament, it was a pleasure to discuss the partnership between Cape Verde and the EU, and to exchange on the great Cape Verdean diaspora in Luxembourg and around the world.
The team and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Visiting Luxembourgish students from the cooking school of the Lycée Nic-Biever, 16th December 2022
Plenary session, Last plenary of the year, Strasbourg, December 2022
Plenary speech, Towards equal rights for persons with disabilities, 12th December 2022
800 000 people with a disability could not vote in 2019 in the European elections because of barriers of accessibility. That cannot be!
Meeting with her Excellency Edna Monteiro, Ambassador of Cape Verde to Luxembourg, 9th December 2022
We had fruitful exchanges on youth, women, social issues, culture and startups in Cabo Verde and how important the support of the EU is for the islands.
The RENEWPAC annual conference gathered liberals from all over Europe and Africa to exchange on reinforcing liberal cooperation between Europe, Africa, Pacific & Caribbean to tackle together the challenges our continents are facing.
I had the pleasure to hold a panel discussion on youth and women empowerment in the EU and Africa.
Renewpac Annual Conference, Marrackech, December 2022
Plenary speech, The European Year of Youth 2022 Legacy, 24th November 2022
I expected the Commission to be more ambitious, to reach those who are less interested in politics.
Next year will be the European Year of Skills, and I am proud to be the rapporteur on quality traineeships.
European Year of Youth 2022, December 14th 2021
2022 is going to be the EU Year of Youth. I believe that it is our duty to honour and support the young generation, especially after the pandemic. The European Year of Youth will go hand in hand with the successful implementation of NextGenerationEU in providing quality jobs, education and training opportunities, and promoting diversity and inclusion.
Artist Report plenary speech, 18th October 2021
My Report on The Situation of Artists and The Cultural Recovery in The EU was voted in favour by a huge majority (543 votes in favour, 50 against and 107 abstentions). I want to thank you once more my dear colleagues for the work and support you gave. This is a huge success in the cultural and creative sector in the European Union.
Fundamental Rights Forum in Vienna, 11th October 2021
I was in Vienna to represent ARDI at the Fundamental Rights Forum. I had many great exchanges with anti-racist organisations, local activists, and Austrian politicians on how we can better combat racism and better protect fundamental rights within the EU. Here's a short video to recap both days:
Great news for all artists and workers in the cultural and creative sector, 28th September 2021
Great news for all artists and workers from the cultural and creative sector! My report to guarantee your access to social security and improve cross-border movement has been accepted in the CULT Committee. Next Step: Voting in plenary in October 2021.
Great news for my fellow Cape Verdeans! 16th September 2021
Plenary Speech on DAC, 14th September 2021
I was involved in the DAC (better cooperation between EU tax authorities) negotiations. It is a pity that the Council refused to give us important information and apparently did not want to work with us anymore.
My message to the Council is clear: stop trying to circumvent the procedures in our treaties. Stop trying to obstruct our work.
We need greater transparency at the Council!
State of the Union, 14th September 2021
In her State of the Union address on 15 September 2021, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen outlined flagship initiatives which the Commission plans to undertake in the coming year. They will among others include:
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Continuing the vaccination efforts in Europe and speeding up vaccination globally, as well as strengthening the pandemic preparedness
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Working on closing the climate finance gap, together with our global partners
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Leading the digital transformation that will create jobs and drive competitiveness, while ensuring technical excellence and security of supply
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Ensuring fairer working conditions and better healthcare, and creating more opportunities for Europe’s youth to benefit from the European social market economy
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Stepping up our cooperation on security and defence, and deepening EU’s partnership with closest allies
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Defending European values and freedoms, and protecting the rule of law
RENEW EUROPE Group Meeting in Paris, 6th September 2021. PART2
The Paris Declaration
At the end of its working days in Paris, Renew Europe adopted the Paris Declaration, which will be the roadmap of our political family for the coming months.
This Political Declaration sets out our main priorities: defence of the rule of law and the fundamental principles on which the European Union is founded, sustainable growth, innovation, European sovereignty and democracy. It reaffirms our commitment to continue and strengthen our action in the framework of a pro-European majority in the European Parliament.
The Paris Declaration comes at a particular time; after the difficult period we went through with the Covid pandemic , and a few months before the mid-term of the current legislature, we can already draw up a first assessment of our action.
Exchange with Elisabeth Moreno, French Minister for Equality.
During my stay in Paris, I had the opportunity to meet with Ms Elisabeth Moreno, French Minister for Equality, Diversity and Equal Opportunities, to ensure that all our citizens are truly represented at all levels of our society.
Guided tour of the Louvre Museum with Madame Roselyne Bachelot.
Madame Roselyne Bachelot, Minister of Culture welcomed us to the Louvre Museum. The occasion of this visit was to reinforce, together, the place of culture in the EU with the new French presidency that will start in January 2022.
RENEW EUROPE Group Meeting in Paris, 6th September 2021
In the week of September 6th, I went to Paris with RENEW Europe to discuss priorities and refine work for a stronger and better Europe. We had the honour to visit the Élysée Palace in Paris and to meet the French President, Emmanuel Macron.
Interview with EURACTIV July 26th, 2021.
I was interviewed by EURACTIV to talk about my priorities and work as the new Vice-Chair of the Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup, known as ARDI.
Read the full interview here: https://www.euractiv.com/section/non-discrimination/interview/mep-diversity-is-severely-missing-in-european-parliament/?fbclid=IwAR3AtYOKQWuCIqJcva_d4mdLYoLbMtVNQvSgntsfTuqdmVtKkHhDBZ6MQZg
Im delighted to announce that I have officially been appointed Vice-Chair of the Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup, known as ARDI. A very important group which fights for more #diversity in the EU and its institutions!
Announcement!
Afropolitan Event, July 9th, 2021.
An Event dedicated to black women at the European Parliament where we discussed challenges and opportunities a black female politician faces and how we can reach more equality and diversity in our society and the European institutions. The Event took place at Bozar in Brussels: https://www.bozar.be/en/calendar/afropolitan-women-and-black-europe-european-parliament. I was joined by my colleagues Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, MdEP and Samira Rafaele, MdEP.
A video with some impressions of the event can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_q3gQMSS6Y
Back in Strasbourg! July 5th, 2021.
Happy Luxembourgish National Day, June 23rd 2021.
EMPL Committee on minimum wage, June 3rd 2021.
In today’s committee speech on Minimum wage, I emphasised again the importance of:
- Improving the adequacy of minimum wages across the EU
- Increasing collective bargaining
- Strengthening social partners
- Fight abuse of workers
We have yet different views on how to achieve this. Together, I trust we can find the best way to make it a reality throughout Europe
Europe against discrimination, 25th May 2021
It’s been a year since the murder of George Floyd. In my plenary speech last year, I asked for the anti-discrimination directive to be unblocked.Now we finally see some progress with the European Commission appointing Michaela Moua as the first-ever anti-racism coordinator. Still a lot to do. This is only the beginning.
NEW CREATIVE EUROPE programme for the years 2021-27, May 19th 2021
This week has been quite an important one! The European Parliament has adopted the EU’s new culture programme for 2021-2027. We almost the doubled the budget compared to 2014-2020 (up from 1.4 billion euro) to 2.5 billion euro for the EU’s cultural and creative sectors. We all recognise the importance of the continent’s cultural sector, and helping it recover from the COVID-19 pandemic which has left many music and cultural venues across Europe closed. As a shadow rapporteur on the #CreativeEurope Programme I could not be any happier about the outcome!
Speech at the CULT Committee on youth and education, May 10th 2021.
On Monday I spoke at the CULT committee about Youth and Education during the pandemic.
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There are still significant inequalities in accessing digital facilities for education
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The European youth did unfortunately not have a proper voice when it came to the impact of the pandemic on their generation and measures taken
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Ad-hoc meetings and consultations where not systematic nor thorough enough
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We need to engage and promote the dialogue with the European youth
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I always had and will have an open ear for them, their claims and concerns. They know how to shape their own future
Europe Day, Schengen, May 9th 2021
At Europe Day 2021 in Schengen with the other five MEPs, Commissioner Nicolas Schmit for a lively exchange with 6 Luxembourg citizens.
They communicated their views of the European Union, addressing their hopes and questions to us. This resulted in, among others:
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It must be taught earlier in school how important the EU is to our day-to-day functioning.
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As far as youth unemployment is concerned, I was able to explain that I, as the person in charge of Renew Europe, have achieved that the age category has been raised to 29 years, given that the pandemic has not found more young people.
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In doing so, Member States should establish an early warning system to prevent young people from dropping out of school and having neither education nor employment.
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If someone does an internship, he should be paid adequately, as the person responsible for this report, I want to commit to it
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Women and businesses, this needs to be supported more and this is increasing in education.
Thank you Aiona Gambucci, Angèle Mersch, George Kieffer, Patrick de la Hamette, Roberto Gomez Fernandez, Rommy Liefgen for your interest in Europe and for your commitment.
LUXSIX Project, Parlement Européen Bureau de liaison au Luxembourg, May 2021
Zoom Meeting with Minister Sam Tanson, April 29th 2021
An interesting talk with the Luxembourgish Minister of Culture Sam Tanson about the situation of artists in Luxembourg and Europe. As the Rapporteur of the Artist Report, I am pushing for the following points:
- Mutual recognition of the status of an Artist
- better cross-border coordination
Minister Tanson strongly underlined the importance of reopening the cultural sector in Europe; not only Museums, but also venues and festivals.
Girls In ICT Day, April 22nd 2021
Art World Day, April 15th 2021
We must fight together to end tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, yet we have to continue to attract investment in the EU, and ensure that our financial centres remain competitive. Watch my exchange of views with Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, here:
As Members of the European Parliament, receiving racist and hateful comments has become reality. Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. One of the biggest challenges we face today is that racism and hate is posted online anonymously and instantly.
Let’s #FightRacism together!
Committee on Culture and Education
March 2021
I myself have worked in the cultural and creative industry. Those among you who work in this field are very well aware about the constant financial fear one has to live with. Many artists don't do this to sustain themselves, but it is their passion. With this report, I want to help relieve, foster and support artists in fulfilling their passion and make sure that they can continue to enrich our society with their art.
The EU Directive on administrative cooperation (DAC)
March 2021
DAC regulates the areas in which national tax administrations must exchange information automatically with other EU tax authorities. The latest proposal, DAC7, extends EU tax transparency rules to digital platforms.
"We have to continue to attract investment in the European Union and ensure that our financial centres remain competitive. Maintaining our attractiveness must be done in conjunction with having a robust compliance and transparency rules."
March 2021
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
EU Directive for adequate minimum wages will ensure that the workers in the Union are protected by adequate minimum wages allowing for a decent living wherever they work. When set at adequate levels, minimum wages do not only have a positive social impact but also bring wider economic benefits as they reduce wage inequality, help sustain domestic demand and strengthen incentives to work. Adequate minimum wages can also help reduce the gender pay gap, since more women than men earn a minimum wage. The proposal also helps protect employers that pay decent wages to workers by ensuring fair competition.
The proposal distinguishes between minimum wages that are set by law and those who are set by collective bargaining, and sets minimum standards for both systems. In countries with mainly collective bargaining agreements, the goal is to cover as many workers as possible with collective bargaining agreements. In systems where the minimum wage is set by law, the proposal introduces standards to measure the what an adequate living wage would be in a member state.
As the representative for RENEW Europe, I will fight for at least an adequate minimum wage for everyone that gets up in the morning and goes to work. I will also make sure that well-functioning wage setting systems throughout Europe continue to work for citizens.
Today is International Women’s Day. Gender equality is still a challenge, but from challenge comes change. So let's all choose to challenge. How will you help forge a gender equal world? Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality!
#choosetochallenge #IDW2021 #RenewEurope
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