Nela Riehl, a Member of the European Parliament for Volt, was named Best Newcomer at the annual MEP Awards held in Brussels. Sitting with the Greens/EFA group, she currently chairs the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT), positioning her as one of the most prominent new voices in the institution.

At the 2025 MEP Awards, organised by The Parliament magazine, eight categories were presented. Alongside Riehl’s win as Best Newcomer, PL MEP Thomas Bajada was also named Best Newcomer in the same category.

Riehl emphasises that she sees the award as recognition for her entire team. “Our party grew significantly in the European elections, and we had to build a completely new structure in Brussels. Today, we have a real delegation with motivated people from all over Europe who fight for our political vision every day. Without my team, none of this would be possible. So this recognition goes to all of us. But we don’t do politics to win prizes, we do it to create real change.”

The award also highlights representation. Riehl is one of only a few MEPs of colour among 720, underscoring the need for greater gender balance and broader diversity in European politics. This remains a daily challenge and part of the goal for a truly representative European democracy.

About Nela Riehl

Before her election in 2024, Riehl (39) worked as a teacher in Hamburg. She secured one of Volt’s five seats in the European Parliament and now focuses on youth rights, workers’ protection, and a feminist approach to foreign policy. She lives in Brussels with her family.

Volt Europa expresses deep concern over the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The recent developments risk further destabilising an already volatile region and have the potential to lead to significant humanitarian and security crises.

As a pan-European political movement committed to promoting peace, democracy, and human rights, Volt Europa calls for immediate de-escalation and urges all sides to engage in constructive dialogue. We believe that diplomatic efforts, supported by the international community, are essential to resolving the underlying issues and preventing further escalation.

Volt Europa supports the efforts of the European Union and other international actors in mediating between Israel and Iran. We advocate for a comprehensive approach that addresses security concerns, respects national sovereignty, and upholds international law. It is crucial that all parties work towards a peaceful resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of all affected populations.

We urge restraint from all involved and encourage the international community to prioritise diplomacy and conflict resolution. Volt Europa remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote stability, peace, and cooperation in the Middle East and beyond.

Together, we can build a future where dialogue triumphs over conflict and mutual respect fosters lasting peace.

Originally published by Volt Europa.

24. 7. 2024 Brussels  - The newly-elected Member of the European Parliament for Volt Nela Riehl was elected Chair of the Committee on Education and Culture. 

She affirms that

As the Chair I will make sure that education and culture, which encompass the right to express yourself freely, will be high up on the political agenda. I am thrilled that this position was granted to me and not to the far-right. Volt stands strong in defending the human rights that are the backbone of this Committee.

Damian Boeselager, co-founder of Volt and MEP, was also elected 1st Vice-Chair of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. 

He stated:

The first vice-chair role will allow Volt to deliver on a key campaign promise in the most important committee for these matters: to establish an innovation-friendly economy. European competitiveness needs to build on strong anti-trust and state-aid rules within Europe and needs a completion of the Banking and Capital Markets Union. This is what I will fight for. In addition, the Vice-Chair role will mean that Volt can contribute to strengthening Parliament‘s role in scrutinising the European Commission - which we take very seriously.

About Volt: 

As the first truly pan-European party, Volt is committed to reforming the European Union so that global challenges can be solved across Europe. Volt's vision: A progressive Europe with a democratically elected European government, a socially just society, a climate-protecting economy and self-determined digitalisation. 

Volt is convinced that only grassroots democratic participation can prepare Europe for a sustainable, economically strong and socially just future. That is why Volt acts at all levels - from local to European, as a movement and a party. The movement gives all European citizens a voice and the opportunity to get involved politically from within society. Volt is now represented across Europe: thousands of people of all ages and professions are involved in over 30 countries with teams in hundreds of cities.

For questions please contact eurpress@volteuropa.org 

24 June 2024 - The five Volt MEPs will join the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament. The decision was announced after two weeks of negotiations and a membership vote by Volt Europa members across the continent. 

Damian Boeselager, MEP and co-founder affirms: “Volt aims to have its own group in the European Parliament to become a truly European party. Until then we ask our members to decide where we sit. I am happy Volt members followed our recommendation to sit with the Greens/EFA, as the Group has been supportive of our mission to act on EU reform, humane migration rules, a competitive economy, the transition to climate neutrality and social justice. We also hope that this strengthens the Greens/EFA to be part of the von der Leyen majority to safeguard the Green Deal.”

Anna Strolenberg, MEP: “The fight against right-wing populists is at the heart of Volt´s agenda and one of the reasons why the movement was founded. To us, the Greens/EFA is among the groups that is most credible in countering right-wing populism and it is clear that Volt members, from all over Europe, feel the same.”

The five MEPs explained the decision in a press conference on Monday.  Please contact eurpress@volteuropa.org to receive further information. 

About Volt: 

As the first truly pan-European party, Volt is committed to reforming the European Union so that global challenges can be solved across Europe. Volt's vision: A progressive Europe with a democratically elected European government, a socially just society, a climate-protecting economy and self-determined digitalization. 

Volt is convinced that only grassroots democratic participation can prepare Europe for a sustainable, economically strong and socially just future. That is why Volt acts at all levels - from local to European, as a movement and a party. The movement gives all European citizens a voice and the opportunity to get involved politically from within society. Volt is now represented across Europe: thousands of people of all ages and professions are involved in over 30 countries with teams in hundreds of cities.

Volt Europa 

eurpress@volteuropa.org

Volt Malta's campaign for the 2024 European Parliament Elections was largely focused on raising awareness of the party nationally and being part of Volt Europa's Pan-European campaign which took place in 15 countries and led to the election of 5 MEPs, and gaining 1.4 million votes across the EU.

In 2019 Volt Europa took part in 7 countries, gained 416,171 votes and elected 1 MEP.

The Party's expenses for the 2024 EU Elections were as follows

The Candidate's expenses for the 2024 EU Elections were as follows

Collectively, the campaign cost €1,279.75. We hope all parties and candidates show the same level of transparency too.

What is also unmentioned is the countless hours volunteers spent distribution the vast majority of flyers and raising awareness for the party across Malta and Gozo by word of mouth as well.

We are pleased that this EU election, as well the local council election, are showing growing interest for different voices representing the public, and we are optimistic that this trend will continue.

This being Volt Malta's first EU election has given it a base to continue growing from. By being part of Volt Europa, it will support the work of the 5 MEPs elected to the European Parliament in fulfilling its election programme.

We have meanwhile started working on our next social impact project and will aim to strengthen its existing projects namely #INeedMAP and #PolitikaOnesta.

In 2024, Volt ran for the EU Elections in Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden.

• Co-Presidents of Volt, Mels Klabbers and Francesca Romana D´Antuono: “Today is an historic moment for European politics. Our newly elected MEPs will represent voters all over Europe - regardless of their nationality. This is what makes us unique. This is how we aim to change politics for the better.”

10 June 2024 - Volt, Europe’s first and only pan-European party, has gained five Members of Parliament after participating for the second time in the European elections. The party will be represented by Damian Boeselager, Anna Strolenberg, Reinier van Lanschot, Nela Riehl and Kai Tegethoff  in the next legislative period. Damian Boeselager has again secured his seat, he was elected as the first Volt MEP in 2019. 

Volt focuses on a democratic reform of the EU, fair migration policies, concrete steps towards a European army, renewable energy supply across Europe and the empowerment of citizens within socially just societies on a European level. The national bodies of the party, however, execute the respective policies on a national and local level. In this way, Volt ensures that its pan-European policies also have a national impact. 

Francesca Romana D’Antuono, Co-President of Volt: “Back in 2019, Volt was electable in 7 countries and was only founded two years before. Now, Volt ran in 15 countries and was backed by over 24,000 members in 30 countries across Europe who shape the progressive goals of our party while membership requests are rising.”

Mels Klabbers, Co-President of Volt Europa explains the pan-European approach of Volt: “Our Volt MEPs are not just representing our home nations. Instead, they share a collective European identity and a unified approach to governance that transcends borders. This means that we don’t have Dutch or German MEPs. We have European MEPs that represent European citizens across national borders.”

About Volt: 

As the first truly pan-European party, Volt is committed to reforming the European Union so that global challenges can be solved across Europe. Volt's vision: A progressive Europe with a democratically elected European government, a socially just society, a climate-protecting economy and self-determined digitalization. 

Volt is convinced that only grassroots democratic participation can prepare Europe for a sustainable, economically strong and socially just future. That is why Volt acts at all levels - from local to European, as a movement and a party. The movement gives all European citizens a voice and the opportunity to get involved politically from within society. Volt is now represented across Europe: thousands of people of all ages and professions are involved in over 30 countries with teams in hundreds of cities.

Volt Europa 
eurpress@volteuropa.org

Read the full article here

As we mark two decades since joining the European Union, let's reflect on the profound journey we've taken together. From the vision of our founding fathers to the tangible achievements we've made, the EU stands as a beacon of peace, prosperity, and unity. 

Robert Schuman's words ring true today: "Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan." Our progress has been built step by step, through concrete achievements fostering solidarity among nations. Let's not forget the core purpose of the EU - to eliminate age-old oppositions, establish peace, and nurture prosperity for all.

But progress should never lead to complacency. We must cherish what we've achieved while striving for continuous improvement. Yes, the EU isn't perfect, but that's precisely why we must work tirelessly to make it better. This Europe that we speak of so much has evolved from a union of states to a single market, from a community of nations to a community of citizens. Now, it's time for us to evolve further and consolidate the idea of a united Europe.

As we celebrate Malta's journey within the EU, let's recommit ourselves to the values of solidarity and cooperation. Let's push for reforms that will make the EU's internal mechanisms function more smoothly. Let’s empower Europe through inclusive democracy, strengthened defence, and emboldened rights, ensuring liberty and prosperity for all.

I've said this before, and I will say it as many times as I have to. I am participating in politics and contesting to simply better Malta and to strengthen Europe. So, this upcoming 8th of June, vote for a stronger Europe, where every nation thrives in harmony and prosperity, and like that you are voting for a better Malta. Together, can we realise the future we want to see!

In a true democracy, everyone should be able to make choices about their own bodies. But right now, when it comes to abortion, many people can't do that. They're being told what they can and can't do with their own body and life by others who think they know best. This isn't fair or right.

Some commentators use fetus dolls to make abortion seem bad and decrepit. But this only makes it harder for people to talk about it honestly. Then you have some political groups say they're against it, only changing their tune when they feel pressured by others or when they think it'll make them look good. How are we to trust such politics? 

The truth is, abortion is a healthcare and freedom related procedure and right. And in places like Malta, about 300 women each year decide to have an abortion. It's important to talk about this openly and to understand why it's a choice some people need to make.

In a true democracy, people should control their own bodies and make their own choices. Yet, often we see the topic of abortion tangled up with ideas about needing more babies or better sex education. While it's true that places like Malta need better sex awareness, framing abortion solely through this lens misses the bigger picture. This is about health, freedom, and having control over one's own body.

It's time to cut through the noise, look at abortion with the seriousness, and respect it deserves. We're not pushing for a "wild west" where anything goes. We want safe, legal, and caring options for those who need them. By supporting full rights to sexual and reproductive health, we aim for a society that truly values freedom, respects personal choices, and stands by democratic principles.

In a true democracy, we don't have to agree with our neighbours on everything. But we shouldn't stop them from living their lives or being in charge of their own bodies and futures. The idea that everyone must think and act the same is simply wrong. If you're against abortion, you're free not to have one. But why deny others the choice? It's about allowing everyone the right to decide for themselves, to be the masters of their own bodies and destinies.

Brussels, Sunday 7th April 2024 – Volt leads by example and ambition by kicking off its campaign for the European Parliament elections this weekend in Brussels with a truly transnational list and strong Lead candidate Duo. German MEP Damian Boeselager and Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld were elected by the members from all over Europe and will be unifying figures in Volt’s ambitious plans for a truly pan-European campaign, aiming for a greener, more just, and innovative Europe in the European Parliament elections this June.

Damian Boeselager is convinced:

History doesn’t just happen, it’s us as individuals that have the power to decide how things will go. We understood that responsibility.  We are showing Europe what our democracy should look like. We are the only true European party that puts forward a real transnational list, with candidates from 20 different countries, under the same program and name on the national and European level. There are many parties that call themselves European but there is only one that actually is – and that is Volt

Sophie in ‘t Veld adds to that:

I have been giving all my passion to Europe for over 30 years but to be the Spitzenkandidat for a truly European party is extra special for me. The people who launched the European project had the power to imagine a better Europe amidst the ruins of two world wars. We as the only truly European party are now the first ones to launch a truly transnational list with truly European Spitzenkandidaten. We are showing Europe: this is possible!

The members voted for Europe’s first-ever Union-wide list with candidates from 20 different European countries (Albania, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom) for the European elections which marks a historic moment in European democracy and signifies a unifying force within Volt's ambitious vision for truly pan-European politics. This groundbreaking symbolic list is a first of its kind created according to the European Parliament’s proposal for such a vote in the future. Volt believes that unveiling such a list already is an important step towards strengthening European democracy. 

This marks a significant moment for Volt, reflecting our collective aspiration to promote our progressive and pan-European ideas in the European Parliament’s next legislature. 

In the elections for the European Parliament Volt aims to run in 16 different European countries and to win up to 10 seats. 

For further information or interview requests please contact:

Gina Nießer
PR Manager Volt
gina.niesser@volteuropa.org

Brussels, Sunday 7th April – Volt leads by example and ambition by kicking off its campaign for the European Parliament elections this weekend in Brussels with a truly transnational list and strong Spitzenkandidaten Duo. German MEP Damian Boeselager and Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld were elected by the members from all over Europe and will be unifying figures in Volt’s ambitious plans for a truly pan-European campaign, aiming for a greener, more just, and innovative Europe in the European Parliament elections this June.

Damian Boeselager is convinced: “History doesn’t just happen, it’s us as individuals that have the power to decide how things will go. We understood that responsibility.  We are showing Europe what our democracy should look like. We are the only true European party that puts forward a real transnational list, with candidates from 20 different countries, under the same program and name on the national and European level. There are many parties that call themselves European but there is only one that actually is – and that is Volt.”

Sophie in ‘t Veld adds to that: “I have been giving all my passion to Europe for over 30 years but to be the Spitzenkandidat for a truly European party is extra special for me.

The people who launched the European project had the power to imagine a better Europe amidst the ruins of two world wars. We as the only truly European party are now the first ones to launch a truly transnational list with truly European Spitzenkandidaten. We are showing Europe: this is possible!” 

The members voted for Europe’s first-ever Union-wide list with candidates from 20 different European countries (Albania, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom) for the European elections which marks a historic moment in European democracy and signifies a unifying force within Volt's ambitious vision for truly pan-European politics. This groundbreaking symbolic list is a first of its kind created according to the European Parliament’s proposal for such a vote in the future. Volt believes that unveiling such a list already is an important step towards strengthening European democracy. 

This marks a significant moment for Volt, reflecting our collective aspiration to promote our progressive and pan-European ideas in the European Parliament’s next legislature. 

In the elections for the European Parliament Volt aims to run in 16 different European countries and to win up to 10 seats. 

In a debate held at the University of Malta’s Sir Temi Zammit Hall, eight candidates from this June’s European elections convened to discuss some pertinent issues facing the country and the continent.

Read the full article on The Malta Independent!

Now, more than ever, the weight of our vote transcends a mere act of civic duty; it becomes the cornerstone of change. In the tapestry of the European Union (EU), each ballot cast is a pledge, a vow that together, as a harmonious collective, we possess the might to surmount the hurdles no single nation can overcome alone. This is a call to arms, not to take up weapons but to wield our most potent tool: our voice. The stakes have never been higher, and our role has never been more crucial.

Read the full opinion piece on MaltaToday!

Portelli completely encapsulates this spirit, as he reads for his Master’s in International Security Studies he’ll be campaigning to earn a seat as a Member of the European Parliament to address the issue closest to his heart: affordable housing in liveable cities.

Read the full article on LovinMalta!

Read the full blog post on Bird's Eye View Malta!

In this waning enthusiasm, a silent protest against perceived government missteps, a manifestation of disillusionment with the European Parliament’s influence, or a broader backlash against the EU’s involvement in sovereign affairs?

Read the full blog post on Bird's Eye View Malta!

Speaking to The Malta Independent on Sunday, Volt Malta's thus far sole MEP candidate, 21-year-old Matthias Iannis Portelli, said that what differentiates Volt Malta from other political parties, in his opinion, are their long-term solutions. "Most parties tend to, unfortunately, disregard the reality of the future of politics. Portelli also said that as a member state of the European Union, it is important to work alongside it, as "our future resides there".

Read the full article in The Malta Independent

Matthias Iannis Portelli has been chosen to be Volt Malta’s first MEP Candidate for the upcoming 2024 European Parliament Elections, joining Volt Europa’s pan-European campaign for 23 seats in the European Parliament.

Matthias grew up in L-Andrijiet, Rabat and is currently a resident of Paola. He’s been active in a number of NGOs over the years, and is currently studying for a Masters in International Security Studies. 

He’s been part of Volt Europa since 2020, and was the national policy lead of Volt Malta for the 2022 General Elections. In 2023 he was elected to the party’s national board as one of its Vice-Presidents.

His main areas of interest lie in security, addressing both economic and social inequalities, as well as championing sustainable growth and development. Matthias believes that the EU must be democratised, and that it represents the most significant political arena for his generation, especially for Malta.

“My commitment is not just to better Malta but also to enhancing the entire EU landscape. By participating in this election, I aim to demonstrate my dedication to devoting my time and energy towards the betterment of our islands and the European community,” remarked Matthias.

In the upcoming 2024 European Parliament Elections Volt Europa is running a campaign under the same name and programme, looking to have 23 seats elected across Europe. In the 2019 European Parliament elections the movement participated in the elections across 7 countries, winning 416,171 votes, and gaining a seat in Germany.

Since then Volt has grown to have MPs in the Netherlands, Bulgaria and Cyprus, and has over 100 officials elected at the local level throughout those countries as well as Germany, Portugal and Italy. Among its European Parliament candidates is the incumbent Damian Boeselager from Germany who visited Malta, meeting a number of Ministers in 2023 and MPs. Furthermore, veteran Dutch MEP Sophie in 't Veld has joined Volt and is running for the elections with Volt Belgium. Sophie has long been vocal on Malta’s golden passport scheme, the justice system, and has called for Malta to implement the recommendations of the Daphne Caruana Galiza public inquiry.

Volt Malta welcomes the amendments to the abortion law, but urges MPs to amend it further while they still can.

‘‘It’s a start that live-saving abortion will be possible, but we’re still a long way from having an actual choice’’ notes Alexia DeBono, Volt Co-President. ‘‘If a day after the law passes someone finds out they have an unwanted pregnancy, they’ll still have to fly overseas or secretly order abortion pills online.’’

Among the changes, the party urges for abortion’s removal from the criminal code, and the legalisation of medical abortions. 

‘‘You have a massive majority in parliament and have the opportunity to improve the situation for roughly half the population. Why hesitate to introduce significant, historic reform? It’s a massive missed opportunity’’ challenges Arnas Lasys, Volt Co-President.

Since its inception in 2021, Volt Malta has been campaigning for the legalisation of abortion, the classification of contraceptives as essential medicine, and also comprehensive, fact-based mandatory sex education classes in all schools. 

The party strongly believes in equipping everyone with all the knowledge and resources possible, trusting the public to make their own decisions.

‘‘No one should make someone else’s reproductive decisions for them’’ adds Alexia DeBono.

The party also commends the efforts of the Voice for Choice Coalition of NGOs, without whom the conversation on the matter would not have gotten this far in Malta

Volt Malta believes that the justice system is not fit for purpose in the scope of cybersecurity and calls for significant change.

Following the events surrounding FreeHour and the students who were arrested after they informed the company of a vulnerability in their software, the party believed that it uncovered a number of shortcomings in the country’s laws and business practices.

It urged for more businesses to adopt bounty programmes, especially those with a digital presence, and urged for the Government to adopt Good Samaritan laws for ethical hackers.”

“By punishing ethical hackers, you’re only making it easier for bad faith actors to exploit cybersecurity vulnerabilities,” said Alexia DeBono, Volt Malta’s Co-President, who added, “a criminal hacker wouldn’t make themselves known and tell you where the vulnerability is.”

“If you invite me over to your office and I notice that the door doesn’t lock properly, meaning anyone whether they’re invited or not can enter and look through your files, should I get arrested if I tell you about it?” asked Alexia.

The party was also appalled at the manner in which police officers behaved with the youth.

"Confiscating the equipment and strip-searching the students appears senseless when their actions were in the interest of the public," expressed Matthias Portelli, Volt Malta's Vice-President. "What exactly were the authorities hoping to uncover?”

“it is evident that Malta must update its laws and practices on cybersecurity matters, particularly with regards to white hat hacking” added Matthias, “According to the National Cybersecurity index, Malta has the lowest score in all of the European Union (EU).