Kathleen Van Brempt MEP

Kathleen Van Brempt MEP

Kathleen Van Brempt is a prominent Belgian social-democratic politician, renowned for her active contributions to European and local politics. She is currently serving as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Vooruit, a political party aligned with the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D). Representing Belgium, Van Brempt has established herself as a key figure in addressing pressing issues such as climate change, trade, and sustainable development.

Political Career and Roles

Current Role
  • Member of the European Parliament (MEP): Kathleen Van Brempt has been serving as an MEP since 2009, following an earlier term from 2000 to 2003.
  • Local Leadership: She also leads the local branch of Vooruit in Antwerp, showcasing her commitment to regional politics.
Party Affiliation
  • Vooruit Party: A social-democratic party in Belgium, part of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), which is the second-largest political group in the European Parliament.

Key Achievements

Leadership and Influence in the European Parliament

  • Chair of the Volkswagen Emissions Scandal Inquiry:
    • Played a pivotal role in investigating the 2015 emissions scandal.
    • Led efforts to hold stakeholders accountable and propose measures to prevent future malpractices.
  • Vice-Chair of the Socialists and Democrats Group:
    • Demonstrated leadership in steering group policies and fostering collaboration among MEPs.

Policy Focus Areas

  • Climate and Environmental Policies:
    • Actively involved in legislation promoting sustainable development.
    • Advocates for renewable energy adoption and stricter environmental regulations.
  • Trade and Industry:
    • Participates in shaping policies that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
    • Supports fair trade practices and innovation in European industries.

Personal Background

Birthdate and Birthplace

  • Kathleen Van Brempt was born on November 18, 1969, in Wilrijk, Belgium.

Education and Qualifications

  • She pursued higher education at the Catholic University of Leuven.
  • Van Brempt earned a licentiate in sociology in 1991, showcasing her academic focus on societal structures and issues.

Professional Career Before Entering Politics

  • Before embarking on her political journey, Kathleen Van Brempt gained valuable experience as a researcher and political secretary for the Socialist Party.
    • 1997-1999: Served as the political secretary to Louis Tobback, a prominent figure in Belgian politics.
    • 1999: Advanced her career by taking on the role of deputy chief of staff to Renaat Landuyt, the Flemish Minister for Employment and Tourism.
      • In this capacity, she played a key role in shaping and supporting policies related to employment and tourism within the Flemish region.

Family Details

Kathleen Van Brempt, a prominent Member of the European Parliament (MEP), has maintained a relatively private stance regarding her family life. Publicly available information does not provide comprehensive insights into her personal relationships or details about her family members. Below is a summary of what is known:

Privacy in Personal Life

  • Kathleen Van Brempt has not disclosed significant details about her marital status or family composition in public records or interviews.
  • The focus of her public presence has predominantly been on her professional and political career.

Absence of Public Records

  • There is no verifiable information available regarding whether she has children or immediate family members involved in public or professional spheres.
  • Details about her upbringing, parents, or siblings are also not prominently featured in her public profiles.

Sources of Information

  • Most insights into Kathleen Van Brempt’s life are derived from her political activities and professional engagements.
  • Direct interviews or specialized biographical accounts might offer more detailed information, but such resources are not widely accessible online.

Kathleen Van Brempt’s commitment to maintaining the privacy of her family life underscores her preference to separate her personal matters from her public role. This approach is not uncommon among public figures who prioritize professional responsibilities over personal disclosures.

Political Career of Kathleen Van Brempt

Entering Politics

  • Early Involvement:
    Kathleen Van Brempt began her political career as a research assistant for the Socialistische Partij Anders (sp.a) from 1995 to 1997.
    She further cemented her political engagement by serving as a policy secretary for the same party from 1997 to 1999.
    These roles laid the groundwork for her active participation in politics.

Milestones in Political Journey

  • First Term as MEP (2000-2003):
    • Elected to the European Parliament in 2000.
    • Initially served on the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education, the Media, and Sport.
    • Later became a member of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy.
  • State Secretary and Ministerial Roles (2003-2009):
    • Resigned from her role in the European Parliament in 2003 to join the Belgian Federal Government as State Secretary for Labor Organization and Welfare.
    • In 2004, she was elected to the Flemish Parliament and appointed as Minister for Mobility, Social Economy, and Equal Opportunities in the Flemish Government.
  • Second Term as MEP (2009-Present):
    • Re-elected to the European Parliament in 2009.
    • Served on several committees, notably the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on International Trade.
    • Played a pivotal role in fostering international relations, including as a member of the Delegation for relations with Canada (2014-2019).

Key Roles Held

  • Committee Memberships:
    • Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (2009-2019).
    • Committee on International Trade (since 2019).
    • Delegation for relations with Canada (2014-2019).
  • Leadership Positions:
    • Vice-Chair of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (2014-2019).
    • Chair of the Committee of Inquiry into Emission Measurements in the Automotive Sector (2016-2017).
  • Ministerial Roles:
    • Minister for Mobility, Social Economy, and Equal Opportunities in the Flemish Government (2004-2009).
    • State Secretary for Labor Organization and Welfare in the Belgian Federal Government (2003-2004).

Additional Contributions

  • Van Brempt has consistently been involved in initiatives related to social justice, equal opportunities, and sustainable development.
  • Her leadership in the Committee of Inquiry into Emission Measurements in the Automotive Sector highlighted her commitment to transparency and accountability in environmental policies.

Net Worth 2025

As of 2025, there is no publicly available information regarding the net worth of Kathleen Van Brempt, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). Financial details of public figures like MEPs are not typically disclosed in publicly accessible sources. However, here is an overview based on available information and general practices:

Public Disclosure of Financial Information by MEPs

  • MEPs are required to declare their financial interests, including roles, investments, and other financial engagements, as part of the European Parliament’s transparency measures.
  • These declarations provide a snapshot of financial interests but do not represent a full calculation of net worth. They are designed to identify potential conflicts of interest rather than assess personal wealth.

Potential Sources of Income for MEPs

  • Salary: MEPs receive a monthly salary set according to EU regulations. For 2025, this is approximately €9,808 gross per month, before EU and national taxes.
  • Allowances: MEPs also receive allowances for travel, accommodation, and office-related expenses.
  • Pensions: MEPs are entitled to pension benefits after completing their term, which may contribute to their long-term financial status.

Factors Influencing Net Worth

  • Personal Investments: Any private investments, such as real estate or stocks, would significantly impact net worth, but such details are rarely disclosed publicly.
  • Previous Roles and Income: Kathleen Van Brempt’s career prior to becoming an MEP, as well as any income from additional roles or advisory positions, could influence her financial standing.
  • Liabilities: Information on liabilities, such as mortgages or loans, would also play a role in calculating net worth, but such details are not typically disclosed.

Limitations of Publicly Available Data

  • Official financial declarations submitted to the European Parliament might provide insights into Kathleen Van Brempt’s financial interests. However, these documents are not detailed enough to determine her overall net worth comprehensively.
  • Private financial information, such as bank balances or personal business ventures, is generally not accessible unless voluntarily disclosed.

Current Role in the European Parliament

Committees and Delegations

Kathleen Van Brempt holds prominent roles in various committees and delegations within the European Parliament, reflecting her diverse expertise and focus areas:

  • Committee on International Trade (INTA)
    • Serves as Vice-Chair, playing a critical role in shaping the EU’s trade policies and overseeing negotiations with external countries and regions.
  • Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN)
    • Acts as a substitute member, contributing to discussions on transport and tourism policies.
  • Delegation for Relations with India
    • Member of this delegation, fostering diplomatic and economic relations between the EU and India.
  • Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly
    • Serves as a substitute member, focusing on partnerships with African, Caribbean, and Pacific states.
  • Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly
    • Also a substitute member, contributing to the EU’s strategic relations with African nations.

Specific Responsibilities and Areas of Focus

Kathleen Van Brempt’s responsibilities span several key domains, emphasizing sustainability and international collaboration:

  • International Trade
    • As Vice-Chair of the INTA committee, she influences EU trade agreements, ensuring they align with environmental and social standards.
  • Sustainable Development and Environment
    • Actively engages in policies related to climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
  • Global Sustainability
    • Within the S&D Group Bureau, she focuses on advancing global sustainability initiatives, emphasizing the intersection of environmental and economic goals.

Legislative Initiatives or Contributions

Kathleen Van Brempt has made significant contributions to the European Parliament’s legislative framework:

  • Volkswagen Emissions Scandal Inquiry
    • Chaired the Committee of Inquiry into Emission Measurements in the Automotive Sector, investigating the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal and advocating for stricter emissions regulations.
  • Climate Change and Energy Policies
    • Actively participated in discussions and decisions during the UN Climate Change Conferences in Lima and Paris, emphasizing the EU’s leadership in global climate action.
  • Trade Agreements
    • Played a role in the debates and approvals of trade agreements, such as the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, advocating for the inclusion of sustainable development clauses.

Positions on Key Policies

Kathleen Van Brempt has consistently advocated for progressive and sustainable policies in key areas:

  • Climate Change
    • Strongly supports ambitious climate action, emphasizing renewable energy and the EU’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.
  • Trade
    • Promotes trade policies that integrate environmental and social responsibilities, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the cost of sustainability.
  • Digitalization
    • While her direct contributions to digitalization are less emphasized, her focus on sustainability likely informs her perspective on digital policies that drive green innovation.
  • Human Rights
    • As a member of the S&D group, she champions policies that uphold human rights, including social equity and environmental justice.

Personal Website

https://www.kathleenvanbrempt.be/

Social Media

Twitter: Kathleen Van Brempt Twitter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathleenvanbrempt/

LinkedIn: Kathleen Van Brempt LinkedIn

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kvanbrempt/?hl=en

Official European Parliament Contact

Email: [email protected]

Office Address:

Brussels Office:
Bât. ALTIERO SPINELLI, 13G101, 60, rue Wiertz / Wiertzstraat 60, B-1047 Bruxelles/Brussel

Strasbourg Office:
Bât. LOUISE WEISS, T06038,1, avenue du Président Robert Schuman, CS 91024, F-67070 Strasbourg Cedex