RTL Today - From the Chamber of Deputies to Strasbourg: Newly elected MEP Fernand Kartheiser joins European Parliament

On Tuesday, the European Parliament convened in Strasbourg for its first session, marking Fernand Kartheiser's, the newly appointed Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR), debut.

Joining the ranks of Luxembourg's veteran MEPs from the Christian Social People's Party (CSV), the Democratic Party (DP), the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), and the Green Party (déi gréng), Kartheiser now faces the challenge of navigating the complexities of the European Parliament.

"It's obviously stressful and chaotic on the first day until you find your bearings. It's not easy," he admitted after eventually locating his office.

As a member of the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR), Kartheiser will now take his seat next to MEPs from Italy's far-right Fratelli d'Italia, led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The first session began at 9am, featuring a presentation by Ursula Von der Leyen, who is seeking to retain the presidency of the European Commission. Kartheiser observed that her presentation did not sit well with the ECR Group. "I would say that most of us don't approve of Ms Von der Leyen. And I don't approve of her either," he stated.

Finance and Luxembourg's interests

But does Kartheiser align with his Fratelli d'Italia colleagues, who now advocate supplying arms to Ukraine for its defence against Russia? "That's not a problem, because we allow everyone a great deal of freedom. And I think it's also a fact that positions on Ukraine are gradually changing. You can also see what is happening in the US at the moment," Kartheiser responded.

As for his focus areas and committee interests, Kartheiser has been proposed for the Industry Committee but is particularly eager to join the Finance Committee. "I'd like to join the committees where our biggest economic interests lie, so that I can represent Luxembourg's interests there," he explained.

When it comes to possible conflicts arising from supporting expansion in Brussels and Strasbourg while opposing it domestically, Kartheiser sees none. In Europe, he argues, there is a lack of strategic sectors, whereas in Luxembourg, the growth debate is more nuanced and tied to specific criteria: "What industries do we need, what industrial structures?"

Ready to roll up his sleeves, Kartheiser has plans for his tenure and ideas for speeches. However, delivering those speeches may prove challenging. Within the ECR group, he is no longer a leading figure as he was in the Chamber of Deputies, but one of 78 MEPs striving to make their mark.