KATALIN CSEH
Member of the European Parliament
2019-2024
Between 2019 and 2024, I have had the distinct honour of serving as a Member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Renew Europe group. I have been involved in high-impact legislative work that has driven my commitment to our common goals. I served on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Human Rights as well as the Committees on Budgets, Budget Control, and Regional Development.
Throughout my tenure, I have been motivated by the profound impact of the EU legislative process. Notably, I participated in negotiating the historic rule of law conditionality mechanism. I have also worked extensively on files related to anti-corruption, women’s rights and corporate sustainability due diligence, showcasing my dedication to fundamental European values. These values also informed my work on files and resolutions concerning EU foreign affairs.
My experience has enabled me to build a wide network of EU officials, foster inter-institutional relations, facilitate complex negotiations and build coalitions across political aisles. I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the intricate workings of EU decision-making and institutional architecture and the required political acumen to find common ground on critical issues.
Service to the European project and its values has been at the heart of my work. I have effectively engaged with constituents and civil society, ensuring their voices are heard in the legislative process. Additionally, I have cultivated a robust media network and maintained strong contacts with journalists to promote transparency and public engagement. Additionally, I come from a member state at the forefront of challenges related to the erosion of EU values, equipping me with valuable insights and expertise.
Roles in the EP
I am incredibly grateful for the trust that voters have placed in me over the past five years, giving me the opportunity to serve my country and continent as a Member of the European Parliament. Serving as a representative is a tremendous responsibility, the highest honor, and an unparalleled service.
We were the extended hands and personal delegates of hundreds of thousands of voters, tasked with making wise and responsible decisions on their behalf amidst an unprecedented pandemic, a massive economic crisis, a brutal war at our borders, and a crisis of the rule of law that has entangled our country.
I aimed to spend every moment of this mandate working diligently and upholding strong values to earn the trust placed in me. We achieved historic successes. We established the rule of law mechanism, secured more direct EU funding for local governments and civil society, and strengthened and expanded the anti-corruption blacklist. We enacted the first EU-level legislation against domestic violence, passed the European Green Deal, and much more.
We connected hundreds of Hungarian citizens, students, and advocacy groups with EU decision-makers, showcasing what a free, European, democratic Hungary looks like—radically opposed to Orbán’s politics.
I thank my colleagues for their incredible dedication, and camaraderie that defined our joint efforts. I am grateful to our Renew Europe family for allowing me to fight for liberal values as Vice-Chair and for being so loyal allies in advocating for the rule of law in Hungary. I thank Momentum activists for their steadfast work in snow, frost, and scorching sun. And, of course, I thank my husband, Dani, for his unparalleled support.
