Sara Matthieu is a prominent Belgian politician affiliated with the Groen party, which is part of the European Greens. Born on May 21, 1981, in Aalst, Belgium, she has become a significant figure in Green politics over the last 14 years. Currently, she serves as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Belgium, having assumed the position in October 2020, succeeding Petra De Sutter.
Key Achievements
- Co-Rapporteur on Minimum Income Legislation: Matthieu has made notable contributions to the European Union’s efforts to establish a framework for minimum income across member states.
- Advocacy for LGBT Rights: She actively works within the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights, pushing for measures that ensure equality and protect the rights of the LGBT community.
- Climate Change Initiatives: Matthieu is deeply involved in initiatives aimed at combating climate change, pushing for legislation that focuses on sustainable and environmental solutions.
- International Engagement: As a member of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with South Asia, Matthieu promotes diplomatic ties and trade relations between Europe and South Asian nations.
Political Party Affiliation and Country
- Political Party: Groen (Green Party of Belgium), part of the European Greens
- Country: Belgium
Personal Background
Birthdate and Birthplace
Sara Matthieu was born on May 21, 1981, in Aalst, Belgium.
Education and Qualifications
- Secondary Education: Attended the Royal Lyceum of Aalst.
- Higher Education: Matthieu completed her studies at Ghent University, earning a degree in moral sciences in 2003. She later pursued a Master of Arts in Comparative Cultural Studies from the same institution in 2005.
Professional Career Before Entering Politics
- Natuurpunt (2006-2010): Matthieu worked for this environmental organization, focusing on campaign management and volunteer support.
- Political Advisor: From 2010 to 2013, she served as a political advisor to Bruno De Lille, the former Secretary of State in the Brussels Regional Government.
- Chief of Staff: From 2013 to 2014, she worked as the chief of staff for De Lille.
- Scientific Collaborator: Between 2015 and 2016, Matthieu worked as a scientific collaborator at Groen’s study service, focusing on mobility and spatial planning.
- Faction Secretary: She served as the faction secretary for Groen in the Brussels Regional Parliament from 2016 to 2020.
Sara Matthieu Family Details
Sara Matthieu comes from a socially engaged background, which has significantly shaped her political career. Her mother, a social worker, influenced Matthieu’s commitment to social justice, workers’ rights, and equality. While details about her immediate family, such as a spouse or children, are not extensively documented, her family’s impact on her work and values is clear.
Political Career
Entry into Politics
Sara Matthieu began her political involvement in 2002, joining the Federation of Young European Greens (FYEG), where she held leadership roles as a spokesperson and executive member. Her formal political career started in 2013 when she was elected as a city councillor in Ghent, Belgium.
Milestones in Political Journey
- 2013: Elected as a city councillor in Ghent, focusing on local governance and environmental issues.
- 2016-2020: Served as the Party Secretary for Groen in the Brussels Regional Parliament.
- 2020: Elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), succeeding Petra De Sutter, and specializing in international trade, social policies, and environmental issues.
Key Roles Held
- Committee Memberships:
- Committee on International Trade
- Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy
- Committee on Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety (Coordinator)
- Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (Substitute Member)
- Delegations:
- South Asia Delegation: Active participant in fostering diplomatic relations with South Asia.
- EU-India Parliamentary Association Committee: Substitute member, promoting EU-India relations.
Matthieu also participates in several intergroups, particularly those advocating for LGBT rights and climate action.
Sara Matthieu Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, specific information regarding Sara Matthieu’s net worth is not publicly available. Generally, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) earn a standard salary of approximately €9,000 per month, along with additional allowances for office and travel expenses. However, without public financial disclosures from Matthieu herself, her net worth remains unspecified.
Current Role in the European Parliament
Committees and Delegations
Sara Matthieu is actively involved in several influential committees and delegations within the European Parliament:
- Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy (ITRE): Discusses energy policies and technological advancements.
- Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL): Focuses on labor rights and social policies.
- Committee on Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety (ENVI): Coordinator for environmental and public health initiatives.
- Delegation for relations with South Asia: Plays a significant role in strengthening diplomatic and trade relations between the EU and South Asia.
Specific Responsibilities and Areas of Focus
- Climate Change: Advocates for strong climate policies aimed at reducing global warming.
- Social Justice: Matthieu supports initiatives like minimum income legislation and policies to promote workers’ rights across the EU.
- LGBT Rights: A strong advocate for equal rights and the protection of LGBT individuals in Europe.
Legislative Initiatives or Contributions
- Minimum Income Legislation: Co-rapporteur on a proposal to establish a minimum income framework across the EU.
- Climate Action: Advocates for immediate policy responses to climate change, with a focus on sustainable development.
Positions on Key Policies
- Climate Change: Supports ambitious action plans for climate protection.
- Trade: Advocates for fair trade agreements that prioritize human rights and sustainability.
- Human Rights: Strong proponent of upholding human rights, especially for marginalized communities.
Through her extensive participation and leadership in these committees, Sara Matthieu continues to play an important role in shaping EU policy on key social, environmental, and economic issues.