Marc Botenga MEP

Marc Botenga is a Belgian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB). A prominent voice in left-wing politics, Botenga made history in 2019 as the first MEP elected from his party, marking a significant milestone for the radical left political movement in Belgium.

Current Role and Key Achievements

  • Botenga is an active member of the European Parliament within The Left group (GUE/NGL). His contributions span across several crucial committees and subcommittees:
    • Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): Focusing on the EU’s external relations and foreign policy.
    • Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON): Engaging in policies related to financial regulations, economic governance, and monetary systems.
    • Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): Addressing matters of innovation, industrial development, and energy policies.
    • Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): Contributing to EU policies on defense, security, and conflict resolution.
    • Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC): Tackling issues such as tax evasion and financial transparency.
  • Botenga is also involved in several parliamentary delegations, including:
    • Delegation for relations with Palestine: Advocating for human rights and balanced EU foreign relations.
    • Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly: Promoting dialogue between European and African nations.
    • Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly: Strengthening cooperation between the EU and the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States.

Political Party Affiliation

  • Marc Botenga represents Belgium in the European Parliament as a member of the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB). This party aligns with progressive and socialist ideals, advocating for social justice, workers’ rights, and economic equality.

Personal Background

Birthdate and Birthplace

  • Marc Botenga was born on 29 December 1980 in Brussels, Belgium.

Education and Qualifications

  • Botenga pursued studies in law at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), one of Belgium’s leading academic institutions.
  • While specific details about his degrees or academic distinctions are not mentioned, his legal education provided a foundation for his subsequent involvement in social and political advocacy.

Professional Career Before Entering Politics

  • Marc Botenga’s career has been deeply intertwined with political and social activism:
    • He became politically active at an early age, beginning his involvement in 1998 with grassroots activism focused on workers’ rights, social justice, and equality.
    • His professional trajectory suggests a seamless integration of activism into political representation, dedicating his efforts to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.

Political Career Overview 

Key Milestone in 2019 

  • In 2019, Marc Botenga achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Member of the European Parliament (MEP) elected from the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA/PTB).
  • This landmark achievement underscored his commitment to progressive values and his ability to mobilize support for leftist political causes.

Current Political Role 

  • Botenga is a member of The Left group (GUE/NGL) in the European Parliament, representing Belgium and continuing to advocate for progressive policies, workers’ rights, and social equity.

Family Details

General Information

  • As of the available information, specific details regarding Marc Botenga’s family background are not publicly documented. This includes:
    • Information about his parents or siblings.
    • Details about a spouse or children.

Public Focus on Professional Life

  • The primary focus of Marc Botenga’s public profile centers on his professional life and political career as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB).
  • His contributions to European Parliament committees, delegations, and activism are well-documented, but personal family details are not a part of the information available.

Political Career

Entry into Politics (1998)

  • Marc Botenga began his political journey in 1998, becoming actively involved in social movements focused on advocating for social justice. His early activism included:
    • Participating in a movement opposing the Belgian Minister of the Interior after the killing of asylum seeker Semira Adamu.
    • Supporting workers’ mobilizations during the closure of the Forges de Clabecq iron works, emphasizing labor rights and solidarity.

Involvement During the European Debt Crisis (2010s)

  • Botenga’s European political activities intensified during the European debt crisis around 2010. During this period, he:
    • Supported political actions for Greece, advocating against austerity measures imposed during the crisis.
  • His involvement in European politics deepened when he became a political advisor for the European GUE/NGL parliamentary group in 2016, a pivotal step that broadened his political influence.

Key Political Milestones

Election to the European Parliament (2019)

  • In 2019, Marc Botenga was elected as the first Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB), marking a significant achievement in his political career.
    • He joined The Left group (GUE/NGL) in the European Parliament, representing progressive and left-wing political ideologies.

Key Roles in the European Parliament

  • As an MEP, Botenga has held various influential roles in committees and delegations, contributing to key areas of policy:
    • Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy: Focusing on innovation, energy policies, and industrial development.
    • Committee on Foreign Affairs: Addressing global diplomacy and international relations.
    • Subcommittee on Security and Defence: Engaging in discussions on European security strategies and defense matters.
    • Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly: Promoting collaboration between African and European countries.
    • Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly: Working on partnerships between the EU and the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States.

Current Position

  • Marc Botenga currently serves as a Vice-Chair of The Left group (GUE/NGL) in the European Parliament. In this leadership role, he continues to represent progressive left-wing politics, emphasizing:
    • Advocacy for social justice.
    • Worker’s rights.
    • Fair economic policies and international solidarity.

Net Worth 2025

Overview

  • As of 2025, no publicly available information or credible sources provide a specific estimate of Marc Botenga’s personal net worth.

Financial Transparency in Politics

  • Marc Botenga is known for his role as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB).
  • He serves as the Vice-Chair of The Left group in the European Parliament, which advocates for social justice, workers’ rights, and anti-austerity policies.
  • While his political career and activities are well-documented, detailed financial disclosures or insights into his personal wealth are not publicly accessible. This aligns with common practices where financial transparency depends on the regulations and reporting requirements of individual countries or political institutions.

Professional and Political Income

  • As an MEP, Botenga likely receives remuneration according to the standard salary structure for Members of the European Parliament, which includes:
    • A basic monthly salary set by the Statute for Members of the European Parliament.
    • Allowances for travel, staffing, and general expenses related to parliamentary duties.
  • Any additional income or assets would depend on personal investments or other professional engagements outside his role as an MEP. However, no such information has been reported.

Publicly Known Financial Stance

  • Botenga’s political platform emphasizes workers’ rights and economic equality, suggesting a focus on addressing wealth disparities rather than personal accumulation.
  • The values of the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB) and The Left group reflect a commitment to financial fairness and opposition to excessive personal enrichment in public office.

Current Role in the European Parliament

Position and Affiliation

  • Marc Botenga is a vice chair of The Left group (GUE/NGL) in the European Parliament, representing the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB). He has been a vocal advocate for progressive and left-wing policies, with a focus on social justice, human rights, and equitable economic policies.

Committees and Delegations

Committees

Marc Botenga is actively involved in several committees, where he addresses a range of political, economic, and social issues:

  1. Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET)
    • Focuses on diplomatic relations, international cooperation, and conflict resolution.
  2. Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON)
    • Works on financial regulations, economic policy, and taxation matters.
  3. Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy (ITRE) (Substitute Member)
    • Participates in discussions on energy policies, technological innovation, and industrial strategy.
  4. Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC)
    • Addresses tax fraud, tax avoidance, and fiscal policies across the EU.
  5. Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE)
    • Engages with issues of defense policy, EU security measures, and peacekeeping initiatives.

Delegations

Botenga is also part of several key delegations, promoting dialogue and collaboration with international partners:

  1. EP Delegation for Relations with Palestine
    • Advocates for diplomatic solutions and peace in the region.
  2. Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly
    • Focuses on strengthening EU-Africa relations, development, and cooperation.
  3. Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly
    • Represents EU interests and fosters partnerships with the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States.

Specific Responsibilities and Areas of Focus

Pharmaceutical Policy

  • Botenga served as the Parliament’s rapporteur for the EU pharmaceutical strategy, where he:
    • Advocated for pharmaceutical companies to reinvest a larger portion of their profits into research and development (R&D).
    • Promoted equitable access to medicines, addressing disparities in healthcare systems across the EU.

Social and Economic Justice

  • A staunch critic of “climate elitism”, Botenga emphasizes the need for climate policies that:
    • Do not disproportionately burden ordinary citizens.
    • Ensure corporate accountability and fair contributions from large corporations.

Human Rights and Peace Advocacy

  • Botenga has been a consistent advocate for human rights and peace initiatives, with notable efforts including:
    • Calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing diplomatic solutions over military interventions.
    • Opposing policies that undermine international law and fundamental rights.

Research and Innovation

  • Engages in discussions on EU research funding, arguing for:
    • Increased investments in innovation.
    • Policies that promote competitiveness while ensuring social and economic equality.

Legislative Initiatives and Contributions

COVID-19 Vaccine Patents

  • Played a pivotal role in successfully advocating for the temporary suspension of COVID-19 vaccine patents, ensuring:
    • Broader global access to vaccines.
    • Fairer distribution of life-saving resources, particularly in developing countries.

Progressive Taxation Policies

  • As a member of the Subcommittee on Tax Matters, Botenga has:
    • Championed measures against tax evasion and avoidance.
    • Advocated for progressive taxation systems that prioritize fairness and reduce income inequality.

Positions on Key Policies

Climate Change

  • Botenga opposes market-driven climate solutions that exclude or disproportionately impact low-income communities.
  • Advocates for inclusive, justice-based climate policies that tackle both environmental challenges and social inequalities.

Trade and Digitalization

  • Supports fair trade agreements that protect workers’ rights and environmental standards.
  • Raises concerns about the impact of digitalization on workers, emphasizing the need for strong data privacy and labor protections.

Human Rights

  • Strongly defends international human rights standards, focusing on peace-building and conflict resolution.
  • Actively addresses issues of surveillance and individual privacy within the context of EU security policies.

Personal Website

https://www.marcbotenga.be/

 

Social Media

Instagram

Handle: @marcbotenga

Followers: 119,000

X (Twitter)

https://twitter.com/BotengaM?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/BotengaM/

 

Official European Parliament Contact

Email

Address: [email protected]

Phone

Number: +32 2 283 43 72

Office Address

Brussels Office

Location:
Parlement européen,Bât. ALTIERO SPINELLI 08H267, 60, rue Wiertz / Wiertzstraat 60, B-1047 Bruxelles/Brussel

Strasbourg Office

Location:
Parlement européen, Bât. SALVADOR DE MADARIAGA G02030,, avenue du Président Robert Schuman,  CS 91024, F-67070 Strasbourg Cedex

 

Role Committee Start End
Substitute of Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs 2024/07/19
Member of Committee on Foreign Affairs 2024/07/19
Substitute of Committee on Industry, Research and Energy 2024/07/19
Substitute of Subcommittee on Tax Matters 2024/07/19
Member of Committee on Security and Defence 2025/01/23
Role Committee Start End
Substitute of Committee on Employment and Social Affairs 2019/07/02 2022/01/19
Member of Committee on Industry, Research and Energy 2019/07/02 2022/01/19
Substitute of Committee on Employment and Social Affairs 2022/01/20 2024/07/15
Substitute of Committee on Foreign Affairs 2022/01/20 2024/07/15
Member of Committee on Industry, Research and Energy 2022/01/20 2024/07/15
Substitute of Special Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future 2022/03/24 2023/07/18
Member of Subcommittee on Security and Defence 2024/07/19 2025/01/19

Delegations

Role Delegation Start End
Substitute of Delegation for relations with Palestine 2024/09/19
Member of Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly 2024/09/19
Member of Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly 2024/09/19
Role Delegation Start End
Member of Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly 2019/07/02 2023/12/31
Substitute of Delegation for relations with Palestine 2020/02/12 2024/07/15
Member of Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly 2024/01/01 2024/07/15
Member of Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly 2024/01/01 2024/07/15
Count Dossier Reference Title
152 2023/0081(COD) Framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act)
138 2021/0414(COD) Improving working conditions of persons working through digital labour platforms
96 2023/0077(COD) Union’s electricity market design
86 2021/0206(COD) Social Climate Fund
81 2022/0278(COD) Single Market emergency instrument
61 2021/0050(COD) Equal pay for equal work between men and women (pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms)
61 2022/0298(COD) Protection of workers from asbestos
56 2020/2076(INI) A New Industrial Strategy for Europe
53 2021/2013(INI) A Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe
51 2021/2012(INI) A European strategy for offshore renewable energy
48 2022/0051(COD) Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence
41 2022/0032(COD) Chips Act
39 2024/2080(INI)
38 2020/0006(COD) Just Transition Fund
37 2021/2011(INI) A European strategy for critical raw materials
35 2020/2077(INI) New Circular Economy Action Plan
29 2021/2165(INI) A new EU strategic framework on health and safety at work post 2020 (including a better protection of workers from exposure to harmful substances, stress at work and repetitive motion injuries)
29 2021/0293(COD) 2030 policy programme “Path to the Digital Decade”
27 2020/2241(INI) A European Strategy for Energy System Integration
27 2021/2098(INI) Mental Health in the Digital World of Work
26 2020/0321(COD) European Medicines Agency
23 2020/2020(INI) Strengthening the Single Market: the future of free movement of services
23 2022/0039(COD) Union Secure Connectivity Programme 2023-2027
21 2019/2187(INI) Access to decent and affordable housing for all
21 2019/2186(INI) Fair working conditions, rights and social protection for platform workers—New forms of employment linked to digital development
21 2019/2182(INL) Protecting workers from asbestos
21 2022/2079(INI) Critical technologies for security and defence: state-of-play and future challenges
20 2022/2008(INI) Implementation of the Updated New Industrial Strategy for Europe: aligning spending to policy
19 2022/0219(COD) European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA)
17 2021/0205(COD) Sustainable aviation fuels (ReFuelEU Aviation Initiative)
16 2020/0036(COD) European Climate Law
15 2021/0213(CNS) Energy Taxation Directive
15 2022/0272(COD) Cyber Resilience Act
14 2022/2053(INI) Sustainable Carbon Cycles
12 2019/2212(INI) European Semester for economic policy coordination: Employment and Social Aspects in the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2020
12 2024/2082(INI)
11 2021/0211(COD) Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System
10 2022/0033(NLE) Joint Undertakings under Horizon Europe: Chips Joint Undertaking
9 2021/2157(DEC) Discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Union agencies for the financial year 2020: performance, financial management and control
8 2019/2028(BUD) 2020 general budget: all sections
8 2019/2213(BUD) Guidelines for the 2021 budget, Section III
8 2023/2155(DEC) 2022 discharge: European Labour Authority (ELA)
7 2022/0085(COD) High common level of cybersecurity at the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union
6 2020/2194(DEC) Discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Union agencies for the financial year 2019: performance, financial management and control
5 2020/2071(INI) Shortage of mmedicines: howto address an emerging problem
5 2020/1998(BUD) 2021 general budget: all sections
4 2020/0103(COD) Technical Support Instrument
4 2021/2119(DEC) 2020 discharge: European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP)
4 2023/0152(BUD) Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: redundancies in warehousing and support activities for transportation in Belgium
3 2019/2098(DEC) Discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Union agencies for the financial year 2018: performance, financial management and control
3 2019/2067(DEC) 2018 discharge: European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (EUROFOUND)
3 2019/2066(DEC) 2018 discharge: European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop)
3 2019/2071(DEC) 2018 discharge: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)
3 2020/2140(DEC) 2019 discharge: General budget of the EU – European Commission
3 2023/2182(DEC) 2022 discharge: General Budget of the European Union Agencies
2 2019/0000(INI)
2 2019/2075(DEC) 2018 discharge: European Training Foundation (ETF)
2 2021/2106(DEC) 2020 discharge: General budget of the EU – European Commission
2 2021/2141(DEC) 2020 discharge: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)
2 2021/0202(COD) Revision of the Market Stability Reserve for the EU Emissions Trading System
2 2022/2134(DEC) 2021 discharge: General Budget of the European Union Agencies
2 2022/2108(DEC) 2021 discharge: European Labour Authority (ELA)
2 2022/2118(DEC) 2021 discharge: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)
2 2022/2081(DEC) 2021 discharge: General budget of the EU – Commission
2 2023/0352(BUD) Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: redundancies in the retail trade sector in Belgium
2 2023/2166(DEC) 2022 discharge: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)
2 2023/2129(DEC) 2022 discharge: General budget of the EU – Commission
1 2019/2055(DEC) 2018 discharge: EU general budget, European Commission
1 2020/2141(DEC) 2019 discharge: General budget of the EU – European Parliament
1 2020/0310(COD) Adequate minimum wages in the European Union
1 2021/0227(BUD) 2022 general budget: all sections
1 2021/2139(DEC) 2020 discharge: European Training Foundation (ETF)
1 2022/2116(DEC) 2021 discharge: European Training Foundation (ETF)
1 2024/0226(BUD) Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: redundancies in the retail sector in Belgium
1 2024/0176(BUD) 2025 general budget: all sections
1 2023/0187(CNS) Faster and Safer Relief of Excess Withholding Taxes
1 2025/2539(RSP)