Kelly Secures Key Committee Positions in European Parliament

Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland South and Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, has secured influential positions on three of the Parliament’s largest committees. Kelly will serve as a full member of the Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee and as a substitute on both the Environment (ENVI) and Foreign Affairs (AFET) Committees.

“I was honored to get such a high vote in the election, but now it’s time to meet the expectations of the electorate and get back to work,” said Kelly. “This term I will sit on three of the Parliament’s largest committees, each of which are of key importance to Ireland.”

Kelly emphasized the importance of the ITRE Committee in achieving Europe’s Net Zero goals. “In this coming term, I will be retaking my seat on the Industry, Research and Energy Committee. We are at a critical juncture where industrial growth, technological advancement, and energy efficiency must converge to meet our Net Zero goals. By supporting the development of a carbon-free electricity system, we can provide European companies and manufacturers with the opportunities to lead this transition. From an Irish perspective, ramping up renewable energy is an economic no-brainer. It will make our electricity system cheaper, more competitive, and less dependent on imported fossil fuels. Making sufficient progress on this front will be a major priority for me in this term.”

The ENVI Committee remains one of the most sought-after committees due to its substantial influence on legislation related to climate and environmental policies. Kelly underscored the importance of having an Irish voice in this committee. “The Environment Committee shapes a substantial portion of the legislation that comes before the Parliament, making it one of the most active and influential committees. It is important to have an Irish voice on this powerful committee that advocates for practical policies when it comes to climate and environmental legislation. The goal should be to not only benefit the climate but also enhance Europe’s economic competitiveness and energy independence.”

Given the current global landscape, Kelly also stressed the significance of his role on the AFET Committee. “We are clearly in a period of geopolitical instability; therefore, I felt it was important to sit on the Foreign Affairs Committee. This in some ways is a natural transition from my previous role in the Trade Committee, but broader in scope. It is clear that there are differences on foreign policy among Member States across the union. In this regard, it is important to have an Irish perspective on the global stage, advocating for policies that not only protect our security and indeed energy security but also enhance our economic resilience and while upholding European values of human rights and justice abroad.”

Kelly’s roles will enable him to influence key policies that drive environmental sustainability, industrial innovation, and global diplomacy.