In Tuesday’s constitutive meeting, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs elected its new Chair and Vice-Chairs.

The committee elected Javier Zarzalejos (EPP, Spain) as its new Chair by acclamation for a period of 2.5 years. He has been a member of the committee since 2019.

After the vote, newly elected Chair Mr Zarzalejos said: “I am very honoured. LIBE is a leading Committee in the Parliament dealing with crucial issues in the life of citizens. Immigration, following the migration and asylum pact, closer cooperation against organised crime and new forms of crime, and protecting the integrity of the rule of law are top priorities. Europeans citizens have the right to demand security. We, as Parliament, have to deliver.”

Next, the committee elected its Vice-Chairs:

1st Vice-Chair: Marina Kaljurand (S&D, Estonia) - 49 votes, 25 for candidate Marieke Ehlers (PfE, Netherlands)

2nd Vice-Chair: Charlie Weimers (ECR, Sweden) - 37 votes in favour, 34 against, 2 abstentions

3rd Vice-Chair: Alessandro Zan (S&D, Italy) - 51 votes in favour, 17 against, 6 abstentions

4th Vice-Chair: Estrella Galán (The Left, Spain) - 46 votes in favour, 24 against, 2 abstentions