Ilhan Kyuchyuk is a notable Bulgarian politician and a prominent Member of the European Parliament (MEP). Representing the liberal Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) party, Kyuchyuk has played an influential role in European politics for several years. He has been an advocate for minority rights, with a particular focus on Bulgaria’s Turkish minority, and has consistently worked towards promoting a united, inclusive Europe.
Key Roles and Achievements:
- Member of the European Parliament: Kyuchyuk has been serving as a Member of the European Parliament since May 2014, representing the MRF party.
- President of the ALDE Party: In June 2021, he was confirmed as the President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) party.
- First Vice Chair of the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee: He holds the position of first vice chair in this important committee, focusing on EU-Turkey relations.
- MEP of the Year 2018: In recognition of his work in promoting culture and media, Kyuchyuk was awarded MEP of the Year in the “Culture and Media” category by The Parliament Magazine in March 2018.
Political Background:
- Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF): Kyuchyuk is a key member of the MRF, a liberal political party in Bulgaria that advocates for the rights of minorities and promotes liberal democracy.
- President of Youth MRF: From 2012 to 2020, he served as the President of the Youth wing of the MRF, helping shape the future direction of the party.
- Advocacy for Minority Rights: A passionate advocate for the rights of minorities, Kyuchyuk has focused on enhancing the position of Bulgaria’s Turkish minority. His work includes promoting inclusive policies that bridge divides and foster unity.
Kyuchyuk’s political career reflects his commitment to liberal values, minority protection, and the creation of a more inclusive Europe, positioning him as a significant figure in both Bulgarian and European politics.
Personal Background
Birth Details
Ilhan Kyuchyuk was born on 16 September 1985 in Sevlievo, Bulgaria. He hails from a working-class family, with his mother working as a nurse and his father serving as an electrician.
Education and Qualifications
Ilhan Kyuchyuk’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in political science and law, with further specialization in international public policies. He attended the ‘St. Cyril and St. Methodius’ University of Veliko Turnovo where he pursued the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Management (2004-2008)
- Master’s degree in Law (2005-2010)
In addition to his university education, Kyuchyuk sought to broaden his expertise through further training and specialized programs:
- Graduated from the Bulgarian School of Politics ‘Dimitar Panitza’ in 2012.
- Participated in numerous international training programs:
- Public Policies Academy in Prague, Czech Republic
- International Academy for Leadership in Gummersbach, Germany
- US State Department program focused on European economic, social, and political issues
- Rossotrudnichestvo program on Foreign Affairs in Moscow, Russia
- Specialized at the École nationale d’administration (ENA) in France in 2014.
Early Professional Experience
Before fully transitioning into politics, Kyuchyuk gained valuable experience in the Bulgarian governmental system. From 2013 to 2014, he served as a Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs at the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria, where he contributed to policy development and economic affairs at the national level.
Family Details
Ilhan Kyuchyuk comes from a modest family background rooted in the working-class life of Bulgaria. His journey from a small town in Bulgaria to a prominent European politician is deeply connected to his upbringing and the values imparted by his family.
Family Composition
- Married
- Has one child
Family Members
- Mother: A nurse by profession.
- Father: Works as an electrician.
While the details about his immediate family are limited in public sources, the emphasis on Kyuchyuk’s connection to his working-class roots is clear. These humble beginnings shaped his values and aspirations, driving him toward his political career. His rise in the political arena underscores the impact of his family’s support and the influence of his early environment in Bulgaria.
Political Career
Political Entry and Early Involvement
Ilhan Kyuchyuk began his political journey in 2005 when he joined the Youth Movement for Rights and Freedoms (Youth MRF). His early roles set the stage for his future political career and included the following positions:
- Member of the Central Operational Council of Youth MRF (2009-2012): Actively involved in the organization, shaping its policy agenda.
- Responsible for Internal Policy, Media Policy, and PR: Played a key role in shaping the organization’s public and internal policies.
- Chairman of Youth MRF (2012-2016): Kyuchyuk was first elected as the Chairman of the Youth MRF in November 2012. His leadership contributed to the growth and influence of the organization within Bulgaria and beyond.
- Re-election as Chairman (April 2016): He was re-elected as the Chairman, a reflection of his strong leadership and influence in the political scene.
- President of Youth MRF (2012-2020): He served as the president of Youth MRF for eight years, during which he worked on advancing youth rights and freedoms, particularly in Bulgaria.
European Parliament Career
Kyuchyuk’s political career took a significant step forward when he was elected to the European Parliament. His tenure has been marked by re-election, committee memberships, and leadership roles that have shaped his career in Europe.
- First Elected to the European Parliament (May 2014): Kyuchyuk was first elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) in May 2014, representing his party and his values at the EU level.
- Re-elected for a Second Term (May 2019): His strong political record and reputation helped him secure a second term in the European Parliament in 2019.
- Member of Renew Europe Group: Kyuchyuk is a member of the centrist political group Renew Europe, advocating for liberal values across the European Union.
Key Committee Memberships
In the European Parliament, Kyuchyuk’s involvement in various committees and delegations has been a significant part of his work. His memberships and positions include:
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): Kyuchyuk’s work on the AFET committee involves shaping European foreign policy and fostering international relations.
- Substitute Member of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): Kyuchyuk has played a role in addressing issues related to transport and tourism within the EU.
- Substitute Member of the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI): As a substitute member, he has contributed to the legal framework and legislative discussions in the EU.
- First Vice Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee: He has worked on fostering stronger ties between the EU and Turkey through this committee.
- Substitute Member of the Delegation for Relations with the Arab Peninsula: In this capacity, Kyuchyuk has contributed to EU’s diplomatic relations with countries in the Arab Peninsula.
Leadership Positions
Kyuchyuk has held various leadership positions in his political career, demonstrating his influence and commitment to liberal and European values.
- Vice President of ALDE Party (2017-2019): Kyuchyuk was first elected as Vice President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Party in December 2017. He was re-elected in October 2019, underscoring his prominence within the party.
- Co-President of ALDE Party (June 2021 – October 2024): In June 2021, he was elected Co-President of the ALDE Party, a key leadership role that further cemented his influence within European liberal politics.
- Permanent Rapporteur on European Parliament Reports: Kyuchyuk has served as the Permanent Rapporteur on European Parliament reports for several countries, including North Macedonia, Uzbekistan, Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino. This role involves providing detailed assessments and reports on these countries’ relationships with the European Union.
Notable Achievements
Kyuchyuk’s political career has been marked by several key achievements that reflect his dedication and impact on European politics:
- Elected MEP of the Year in the “Culture and Media” Category (March 2018): This accolade recognized his contributions to cultural and media policies in Europe.
- Awarded “Liberal of the Year” (October 2024): Kyuchyuk was named “Liberal of the Year” for his role in strengthening liberalism in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, a significant recognition of his political work.
- Elected Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee (July 2024): Kyuchyuk’s election as Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee in 2024 marked a major milestone in his career, positioning him at the forefront of legal policy discussions in the European Parliament.
Current Role in the European Parliament
Ilhan Kyuchyuk currently holds several significant positions in the European Parliament. His responsibilities span across various committees and delegations, where he plays an essential role in shaping policies and legislative frameworks.
Key Committee Positions
- Chair of the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI)
Kyuchyuk is responsible for overseeing legal affairs within the European Parliament. His leadership in JURI involves scrutinizing legislative proposals related to justice and legal matters in the EU, ensuring alignment with fundamental EU values. - Member of the Conference of Committee Chairs (CPCO)
As a member of CPCO, Kyuchyuk contributes to coordinating the activities and agendas of various parliamentary committees, playing a crucial role in the legislative process. - Member of the Delegation to the EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee
Kyuchyuk participates in dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Türkiye, addressing issues related to EU-Türkiye relations and policy development.
Substitute Member in Key Committees
- Committee on Foreign Affairs
As a substitute, Kyuchyuk is involved in shaping policies regarding the EU’s foreign relations, international diplomacy, and foreign policy strategies. - Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
In this role, Kyuchyuk participates in discussions and decisions related to environmental protection, public health, and food safety across the EU. - Delegation for relations with Central Asia
This delegation focuses on strengthening EU relations with Central Asian countries. Kyuchyuk contributes to fostering ties, cooperation, and diplomacy in the region.
Legislative Focus and Priorities
Kyuchyuk has outlined several key legislative priorities for his tenure during the 2024-2029 parliamentary period. These priorities reflect his commitment to innovation, legal modernization, and ensuring EU legislation remains relevant and aligned with its core principles.
- Developing New Rules on European Cross-Border Associations
Kyuchyuk advocates for clearer and more efficient legal frameworks governing cross-border associations within the EU, supporting greater cooperation between member states and non-governmental organizations. - Advancing AI Liability Regulations
He emphasizes the need for updated regulations surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly concerning liability. This includes ensuring that AI technologies are developed and used responsibly within the EU. - Addressing Copyright Issues
Kyuchyuk is actively working on addressing challenges related to copyright law in the digital age. His work aims to balance the interests of creators, consumers, and the digital economy. - Promoting the “28th Regime” to Simplify Legal Frameworks for Innovative Companies
He advocates for a simplified legal regime that supports innovation and entrepreneurship, making it easier for companies to navigate regulations and thrive in the European market. - Ensuring EU Legislation Remains Aligned with Fundamental Union Values
Kyuchyuk’s focus on legislative alignment ensures that the EU’s legal frameworks continue to uphold core Union values, such as human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Key Policy Positions
Kyuchyuk’s policy positions reflect his commitment to fostering innovation, ensuring legal fairness, and maintaining fundamental EU values across member states.
- Strong Advocate for Digital Innovation and AI Regulation
Kyuchyuk is a proponent of advancing digital technologies and AI regulation within the EU. He stresses the importance of establishing a robust regulatory framework to manage the fast-paced development of these technologies while ensuring safety and accountability. - Committed to Maintaining Rule of Law Across EU Member States
He is dedicated to upholding the rule of law across all EU member states. This includes efforts to ensure legal systems remain independent, fair, and transparent, fostering trust in EU institutions. - Emphasizes Judicial Independence and Legal Framework Modernization
Kyuchyuk advocates for the modernization of legal frameworks across the EU to better support judicial independence and transparency. He believes in creating environments that allow legal systems to operate without political interference. - Focuses on Creating Innovation-Friendly Legislative Environments
His policies aim to cultivate environments that support innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring that legal and regulatory frameworks enable businesses to grow and thrive in the EU market.
Recent Legislative Activities
Kyuchyuk has been actively involved in various legislative initiatives and joint motions for resolutions addressing pressing global issues.
- Boualem Sansal Case in Algeria
He participated in motions calling attention to the case of Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, advocating for the protection of freedom of expression and human rights. - Russia’s Disinformation Regarding Ukraine
Kyuchyuk contributed to resolutions addressing Russian disinformation campaigns, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. His efforts focus on combating misinformation and protecting European democratic values. - Human Rights Cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo
He has been involved in motions to address human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, calling for EU action to protect vulnerable populations.