FMA Annual Events | 20-21 May 2025
Honoring Legacies, Inspiring Discourse, Uniting Voices at the Annual Events of the FMA
European Parliament Former Members Association (FMA)
Annual Events 20-21 May 2025 – European Parliament in Brussels
The EP Former Members Association (FMA) is excited to announce its annual events, which are scheduled to take place from 20 to 21 May 2025 in Brussels. As well as providing an opportunity for insightful discussions, the events will also offer a chance for collective reflection on European values and a moment of commemoration through the Memorial Service for deceased former MEPs.
The FMA’s annual events comprise three distinct yet complementary gatherings: the Annual Memorial Service, the Dinner Debate, and the Annual General Assembly.
ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE
On 20 May 2025 from 17.45 to 18.15 the sixteenth Annual Memorial Service for deceased former Members of the European Parliament will take place, organised by the FMA under the patronage of the European Parliament. We will commemorate the former and current MEPs who have passed away in 2024-2025, adhering to the principle that once a MEP, always a MEP. This year, the FMA will honour prominent figures whose contributions and dedication have significantly impacted European politics and society. The programme includes a tribute by Ewa Kopacz, Vice-President of the European Parliament. The roll call will be read by Monica Baldi, Vice-President of the FMA who will also open the ceremony. Former President of the European Parliament and FMA President Klaus Hänsch will deliver the closing oration. Many former MEPs and family members of deceased MEPs will be present at this event.
The service will be held in presence in the Hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels and will also be available to watch live online via the FMA website. You can find a list of deceased former MEPs who will be commemorated at the 2025 Memorial Service on the FMA website.
DINNER DEBATE – “Europe’s Choice: from trade to defence, the key decisions shaping our future in the current geopolitical landscape”
After the Memorial Service, on 20 May 2025, a Cocktail Reception followed by a Dinner Debate will take place in the European Parliament. The event will be chaired by FMA President Klaus Hänsch.
We are thrilled to announce that this year our Guest Speaker will be Ms Arianna Podestà, European Commission Deputy Chief Spokesperson, who will give a speech titled: “Europe’s Choice: from trade to defence, the key decisions shaping our future in the current geopolitical landscape” followed by an exchange of views with European Former Parliamentarians.
Special guests will be European Parliament Quaestors Marc Angel and Fabienne Keller, the Vice-President of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians (CAFP) Jack Harris, and the President of Re-Imagine Europa Maria João Rodrigues. The audience will be a mix of former MEPs, MEPs and guests. This event is open only to FMA members and guests.
ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
On 21 May 2025, the FMA 24th Annual General Assembly will take place in the European Parliament in Brussels. Once per year, members gather to sum up an intense year of work, to discuss the current activities of the Association and submit their proposals. A new FMA Management Committee will be elected and will meet in the afternoon.
ABOUT THE FMA
The Former Members Association of the European Parliament (FMA) is made up of over 750 members, from the 27 Member States plus the United Kingdom, who voluntarily offer their experience and expertise to carry out the many activities of the association. With professionalism and passion, the members are committed to strengthening the European and international network of former MPs, to building democracy and to making people understand the functioning and current rules of the European institutions, especially the Parliament. Particularly appreciated are the interventions of the FMA members in seminars, conferences, in cooperation with universities and schools, such as the well-known educational program “EP to Campus”, in study visits and EU Presidency.
PRESS CONTACT
Valerie Raskin, Events & Communication Assistant
Email: formermembers@europarl.europa.eu – Tel. +32 (0)2 284 07 03
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