An experienced MEP from the Netherlands has chosen to join a Belgian party this week to "shake up the Belgian political landscape."
Sophie in 't Veld announced on Tuesday that she will be standing as a candidate for Volt Belgium, a pan-European federalist party, in the European elections in May 2024. She also hopes to become the party leader.
However, the Dutch MEP faces numerous challenges in attracting voters as a political newcomer in Belgium.
"Brussels has been my home for 30 years now," In 't Veld told The Brussels Times. "Being a long-time resident here and a political animal, I take a keen interest in Belgian politics. I think a little shake-up of the political landscape would do no harm."
The Dutch MEP has been a prominent member of the European Parliament for 30 years. She is known for being a key human rights and democracy advocate through her parliamentary work, speaking out on topics such as migration, spyware, corruption and the far-right.
After being first elected to the European Parliament in 2004, she announced in June 2023 that she would be leaving her Dutch socially liberal party D66 (Renew Europe), for Volt.
It is rare to see a Dutch national join a Belgian party, but in July this year, the Dutch chapter of Volt rejected her candidacy, leaving her political future in limbo. "I naturally turned to Volt NL first, but a candidacy on their ticket proved impossible because of internal rules. But my choice for Volt had already been made."
Belgian parties 'so rich'
Volt has candidates and party chapters in every European country – while also advocating for a federalist Europe. At the next EU elections, In 't Veld faces the unique challenge of being a political veteran in Europe while contesting the next elections as a newcomer in Belgium.
"I acknowledge that Belgian political parties are hard to beat, with their millions in the bank, real estate portfolios, and political dynasties," she said. "They are so rich that they rank among the biggest spenders on social media in Europe" – referencing the €165 million in combined net assets Belgian political parties held at the end of 2022, the highest amount ever recorded.
"For Volt Belgium, we will start from zero. We have no money in the bank, but we have ideas and idealism, and lots of fresh energy. It's ours to win."
The party has never won a seat in Belgium, having garnered only 0.02 % of the vote nationally in the 2019 Belgian elections. In Europe, the party only has one MEP: Damian Boeselager, from Germany.
Enjoying the challenge, In 't Veld says she is also keen to help make 2024 a "breakthrough" year for Volt, and ensuring as many new representatives at the next EU elections.
In today's Europe with a resurgent spectre of nationalism, federalism can be a tough case to make, particularly in a country like Belgium with its strong regional divides. In this context, In 't Veld believes that politicians should be truthful about what they believe, and that she believes that Europe's democracy must be strengthened. For her, Volt is the best way forward.
"That power in Europe is skewed in favour of governmental interests, rather than those of its citizens. I will never back down from that belief, and in Volt, I found a party that feels the same," she said. "I hope Volt Belgium's members will trust me as their lead candidate."
