Liesbet Sommen is a prominent Belgian politician, currently serving as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Christen-Democratisch & Vlaams (CD&V) party. She is affiliated with the European People’s Party (EPP) group in the European Parliament, which is one of the largest political groups within the institution. Her political career has been dedicated to advancing policies that support social welfare, healthcare, and sustainability across Europe.
Current Role and Key Achievements
- Member of the European Parliament (MEP): Liesbet Sommen holds the position of MEP, where she works on a range of critical policy areas, with a primary focus on social, industrial, and sustainability issues.
- Key Focus Areas:
- Affordable Medicines: Sommen advocates for accessible and affordable medicines across the European Union, working to ensure that healthcare remains within reach for all citizens.
- Better Healthcare: She is dedicated to improving healthcare systems within the EU, striving to make healthcare more effective and inclusive.
- Work-Life Balance for Families: Sommen is also passionate about promoting policies that support families in achieving a healthy work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of family welfare in European society.
Her efforts in these areas are a testament to her commitment to improving the lives of EU citizens, particularly in the realms of health and social services.
Political Affiliation
- Party: Liesbet Sommen is affiliated with the Christen-Democratisch & Vlaams (CD&V) party, a Belgian political party that advocates for Christian-democratic values, focusing on social welfare, justice, and family support.
- European Group: As an MEP, she is a member of the European People’s Party (EPP) group in the European Parliament. The EPP is a center-right political group that aims to promote Christian democratic and conservative values across Europe.
Previous Experience
Before becoming an MEP, Liesbet Sommen had an extensive career in public affairs and healthcare, further shaping her expertise in the fields of social policy and public welfare:
- Director of Public Affairs for Christelijke Mutualiteit: Sommen served as the Director of Public Affairs for Christelijke Mutualiteit, one of Belgium’s largest mutual health insurance organizations, where she focused on healthcare policy and public relations.
- Advisor on Social and Pension Policies: She also worked as an advisor on social and pension policies within various Belgian government cabinets, providing her with in-depth knowledge of Belgium’s social systems and European integration.
Vice-Coordinator for Employment and Social Affairs
Currently, Liesbet Sommen holds the position of Vice-Coordinator for Employment and Social Affairs in the European Parliament, a role that emphasizes her leadership and dedication to shaping EU policy on employment and social issues. This role reflects her strong commitment to addressing the social challenges faced by European citizens, particularly in the areas of labor market policies and social security.
Personal Background
Birthdate and Birthplace
- Birthdate: April 13, 1984
- Birthplace: Turnhout, Belgium
Education and Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Political Sciences: Liesbet Sommen completed her Master’s degree in political sciences from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in 2006.
Professional Career Before Entering Politics
Early Career
- Vakbondssecretaris (Union Secretary):Sommen began her professional career as a union secretary at ACV Openbare Diensten from 2008 to 2009. During this period, she was actively involved in social dialogue with the Flemish government and played a key role in handling personnel matters.
- Fractiemedewerker (Staff Member):
From 2009 to 2011, Sommen worked as a staff member for the CD&V Senate and Chamber factions. In this role, she focused on social affairs, labor market issues, poverty reduction, pensions, family policy, disability rights, and equal opportunities.
Government Advisor
- Raadgever (Advisor):
In 2011, Sommen transitioned into a government advisory role, becoming an advisor on pensions, social security, poverty reduction, family policy, and disability rights. She worked for Vice Prime Ministers Steven Vanackere and Pieter De Crem. - Directeur Cel Sociale Zaken (Director of Social Affairs):From 2014 to 2018, she served as the Director of Social Affairs at the cabinet of Vice-Prime Minister Kris Peeters, where she continued to shape policy in social welfare and public services.
Healthcare and Public Affairs
- Christelijke Mutualiteit:
Sommen joined Christelijke Mutualiteit in 2018, where she initially served as the Director of the Staff Department. She later advanced to the role of policy director, holding this position until 2023. Her work here focused on healthcare policy and public affairs. - Samen voor Slim Statiegeld:
Between 2023 and 2024, Sommen acted as the spokesperson and coordinator for the initiative “Samen voor Slim Statiegeld,” which aimed to introduce a deposit system to combat littering in Belgium.
Family Details
Family Life and Social Media Presence
- Liesbet Sommen has openly acknowledged her role as a mother in her public persona.
- Her social media profiles and videos often highlight her family-friendly approach to policy, focusing on social welfare and support for working parents.
- However, there are no specific details available about her spouse or the names of her children in the public domain.
Political Focus on Family and Welfare
- Sommen’s professional career emphasizes policies that aim to improve the quality of life for families, especially in terms of work-life balance and social support systems.
- Her work in the European Parliament often reflects her commitment to family-oriented policies, with an emphasis on the needs of parents, children, and social welfare programs.
Privacy and Professional Life
- Liesbet Sommen has maintained a balance between her personal and professional life, with her political work taking precedence in public forums.
- Details of her family remain private, and there is a clear focus on her public responsibilities rather than personal matters.
Political Career of Liesbet Sommen
Entering Politics
Liesbet Sommen’s political career began with her involvement in the Christian Democratic and Flemish (CD&V) party. She entered the political scene through a series of roles, starting as a staff member for the CD&V Senate and Chamber factions from 2009 to 2011. In these positions, she focused on various critical policy areas, including:
- Social Affairs
- Labor Market
- Poverty Reduction
- Pensions
- Family Policy
- Disability Rights
- Equal Opportunities
Her work during this period helped shape her understanding of the political landscape, setting the foundation for her future roles in government.
Milestones in Political Journey
Early Government Roles (2011-2014)
Liesbet Sommen continued her political career with increasing responsibility, taking on advisory roles for key political figures. From 2011 to 2014, she worked as an advisor to Vice-Prime Ministers Steven Vanackere and Pieter De Crem. In these capacities, she contributed her expertise in:
- Pensions
- Social Security
- Poverty Reduction
- Family Policy
- Disability Rights
Her advisory roles positioned her as an influential figure in the policy areas she specialized in.
Director of Social Affairs (2014-2018)
Sommen’s career progressed when she was appointed as the Director of Social Affairs in the cabinet of Vice-Prime Minister Kris Peeters. From 2014 to 2018, she worked on the implementation of social policies that aimed to improve the well-being of vulnerable groups, including those in need of social security and family support.
European Parliament Election (2024)
A significant milestone in Liesbet Sommen’s political journey came in 2024 when she was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). She secured her place on the CD&V party’s list, standing second, and became part of the European legislative process. This marked her transition from national politics to the broader European stage, where she would contribute to shaping policies that impact the EU as a whole.
Key Roles Held
Committee Memberships
In her current role as a Member of the European Parliament, Liesbet Sommen is an active participant in several important committees. She is a member of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), where she focuses on employment policies, social protection, and welfare reform within the European Union.
Leadership Positions
Sommen has also assumed leadership responsibilities within the European Parliament. She serves as the vice-coordinator for employment and social affairs within the European People’s Party (EPP) group. In this capacity, she plays a key role in coordinating the party’s stance on social and employment-related issues.
Other Roles
In addition to her committee and leadership positions, Liesbet Sommen is also a member of several important delegations:
- Euronest Parliamentary Assembly: Engaged in the EU’s Eastern Partnership initiative, fostering cooperation between the EU and six Eastern European countries.
- Belarus Delegation: Focuses on strengthening ties and addressing the political situation in Belarus.
Ambassadorship
Liesbet Sommen also holds an ambassadorial role for KlimaatContact vzw, a non-profit organization dedicated to climate action and sustainability. She has been serving in this position since May 2023, contributing her expertise to global environmental efforts.
Her wide-ranging political involvement reflects her commitment to social issues, labor rights, and European integration, all while continuing to build a strong political profile at both national and European levels.
Liesbet Sommen Net Worth 2025
As of the latest available information, there is no specific data on Liesbet Sommen’s net worth for 2025.
Financial Transparency of MEPs
- Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are required to declare their financial interests and assets for transparency purposes.
- However, these declarations may not provide a comprehensive picture of an individual’s net worth, as the information shared is often limited to financial interests rather than a complete overview of assets and liabilities.
- Detailed financial information about MEPs, including their net worth, is generally not publicly disclosed unless voluntarily shared by the individual or required by law.
Declaration of Financial Interests
- MEPs must submit a declaration of financial interests to the European Parliament.
- These declarations provide insight into the financial activities and affiliations of MEPs, but they do not necessarily offer a full accounting of personal wealth.
For precise and up-to-date figures on Liesbet Sommen’s net worth, one would need to consult her official financial declarations or any statements she may have released.
Current Role in the European Parliament
Liesbet Sommen is an active member of the European Parliament, contributing to various important committees and delegations. Her current role allows her to focus on key areas such as employment, social affairs, healthcare, human rights, and international relations. Below is an outline of her specific involvement and responsibilities within the European Parliament.
Committees and Delegations
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL)
- Liesbet Sommen is a member of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), where she focuses on policies related to employment, social affairs, and the labor market. This committee is responsible for ensuring that European policies promote social inclusion, job creation, and equitable labor conditions.
Euronest Parliamentary Assembly
- Sommen is also a participant in the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, an initiative that seeks to enhance the relationship between the European Parliament and the parliaments of Eastern European and South Caucasus countries. This assembly aims to strengthen regional cooperation and foster democratic values in these areas.
Delegation for Relations with Belarus
- As part of the Delegation for Relations with Belarus, Sommen works to promote diplomatic relations and democratic values in Belarus. This delegation plays a crucial role in engaging with Belarus on political, economic, and social matters, while supporting the development of democratic institutions in the country.
Delegation for Northern Cooperation and Relations with Switzerland and Norway, and the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee
- Sommen is involved in this delegation, which handles cooperation with Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland on a wide range of policy areas. This delegation aims to strengthen ties with these countries, ensuring continued collaboration on key issues such as trade, environmental protection, and social policies.
Specific Responsibilities and Areas of Focus
Liesbet Sommen has made significant contributions in various areas of European policy, with a strong emphasis on improving public health, social welfare, and work-life balance. Her focus areas include:
Affordable Medicines
- Sommen prioritizes access to affordable medicines across the EU. She advocates for policies that ensure all Europeans have access to essential medications, aiming to reduce health inequalities and improve healthcare outcomes for all citizens.
Better Healthcare
- Sommen is a staunch advocate for improving healthcare systems within the EU. She emphasizes the importance of preventive care and public health initiatives to enhance overall healthcare delivery and quality across member states.
Work-Life Balance
- She is dedicated to creating policies that support families and promote a better balance between work and personal life. Sommen’s work aims to foster an environment where both parents can pursue professional careers while maintaining a fulfilling family life.
Legislative Initiatives or Contributions
Liesbet Sommen has been involved in several legislative initiatives that align with her core areas of focus, contributing to the advancement of important social policies.
Smoke- and Aerosol-Free Environments
- Sommen supported a resolution aimed at reducing smoking-related deaths by promoting smoke-free environments and regulating e-cigarettes. Although the resolution did not pass, she emphasized the need for continued efforts to protect vulnerable groups, including children and pregnant women, from the harmful effects of smoking and aerosols.
Rule of Law and LGBTQI Rights
- Sommen actively participated in debates on protecting the rule of law and ensuring that the European Union remains a discrimination-free zone, especially in regard to LGBTQI rights. Her contributions to these discussions focus on safeguarding the rights of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Positions on Key Policies
Climate Change
- As an ambassador for KlimaatContact vzw, Sommen has shown strong support for climate action and sustainability initiatives. She advocates for measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote sustainable practices across Europe.
Healthcare and Social Affairs
- Sommen’s work on affordable medicines and better healthcare demonstrates her commitment to improving the social welfare system and public health within the EU. Her efforts aim to ensure that healthcare systems are accessible, effective, and equitable for all EU citizens.
Human Rights
- Sommen’s involvement in debates on LGBTQI rights and discrimination-free policies showcases her strong stance on human rights. She works to ensure that all EU citizens enjoy equal rights and protections, free from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or other factors.
Liesbet Sommen’s role in the European Parliament reflects her dedication to promoting social justice, public health, and human rights while actively working to improve the lives of Europeans and strengthen international relations.