BELC member initiated a successful debate on European elections in Opsterland

Dutch BELC-member, Rob Jonkman, elderman of the municipality of Opsterland, in the province of Friesland, organised a very successful debate on the upcoming European election.

The hall at De Skâns in the Gorredijk, in the municipality of Opsterland was packed with over 150 attendees and seven panelists on 6 May, 2024. The debates were substantive and sometimes really concrete, thanks to the commitment of the MEPs who took part. Themes that were covered included European cooperation, energy, the EU’s relationship with China, trade treaties and the 2050 climate goals as part of the European Green Deal.

The following MEPs participated in the discussions: Gerlof Bierma (BBB), Raquel Garcia Hermida-Van der Walle (D66), Anja Haga (CU), Reinout van Malenstein (NSC), Marco Smit (VVD), Sjoerd Wijnsma (CDA) and Mohammed Chahim (GL-PvdA).

For years, BELC local councillor Mr Jonkman has been working hard to make the European Union more accessible to Frisians. The goal of his initiated debate in Opsterland was to inspire local constituents to participate and vote in the European elections in June 2024.