Sophie in t Veld

About Sophie in t Veld

With thirty years of experience in European politics, including twenty years as a Member of the European Parliament, Sophie in ’t Veld speaks knowledgeably on a wide range of European issues.

Sophie in ’t Veld is an inspiring speaker, and her passionate plea for a stronger and more democratic Europe is filled with numerous examples from European practice. She articulates European politics in clear, everyday language for any audience. As a highly experienced chair, she knows how to lead debates with precision and bring them to concrete conclusions.

In ’t Veld has a distinct profile as a pioneer for privacy and fundamental rights in the digital age, and as an advocate for the democratic rule of law. She is also always found on the barricades for LGBTI rights and women’s rights. As a co-negotiator of the European Parliament for asylum and migration policy, she managed to secure several important guarantees for humane policies despite a hostile political climate. She navigated legislation on numerous other topics through the Parliament, such as pensions, golden passports, state aid, and the sanctions regime against Russia.

On larger political issues such as EU enlargement, Brexit, institutional and political development of the Union, the geopolitical role of Europe, and security, In ’t Veld has a vision based on thorough knowledge of the EU and the national politics of its member states. She laid out her ideas in works such as “A European ID” about European identity, and “The scent of wild animals,” “Naakte Macht,” and “Naked Power” about the European Parliament as a counterbalance in European democracy.

In the European Parliament, In ’t Veld held various leading positions, including Vice Chair of the European Liberals, Chair of the Rule of Law Monitoring Group of the European Parliament, and Vice Chair of the parliamentary committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs.

Her work has received recognition, including titles such as Liberal of the Year (JOVD) and Euronederlander of the Year (EBN), Humanist of the Year (International Humanist and Ethical Union), and Secularist of the Year (UK National Secular Society). Her work for privacy protection was honored with the International Privacy Champion Award (Electronic Privacy Information Centre, Washington) and the Winston Award (Bits of Freedom). She also received the Kringpensioen Award 2018 from the Circle of Pension Specialists.

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