MEP Othmar Karas appointed First Vice President of the European Parliament
Oliver Schuster to assist as Chief Policy Advisor and Deputy Head of Cabinet
Responsibilities to include legislation, parliamentary relations, and coordination with national parliaments
Brussels, Belgium – December 14, 2022 – Othmar Karas, an Austrian politician representing the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), has been appointed as the First Vice President of the European Parliament. In this role, Karas will assist President Roberta Metsola in leading the Parliament's work and representing the institution's interests within the European Union and internationally.
Supporting Karas in his new position will be Oliver Schuster, who has been named Chief Policy Advisor and Deputy Head of Cabinet. Schuster will be responsible for coordinating all legislative and policy initiatives, as well as relations with national parliaments. His primary responsibility will be to support Vice-President Eva Kaili in her role as Chair of the Democracy and Human Rights Subcommittee.
Karas, a member of the European People's Party (EPP) group in the Parliament, has served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) since 1999. He has held various leadership positions within the Parliament, including as Chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on Constitutional Affairs and as Co-Chair of the EPP Group. Karas is known for his commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Schuster, a career diplomat, has served in the European External Action Service (EEAS) since 2010. Prior to his appointment as Chief Policy Advisor, he was Head of the EEAS Political Section for the Middle East and North Africa. Schuster brings a wealth of experience in diplomacy, foreign policy, and institutional relations to his new role.
The appointments of Karas and Schuster are seen as a significant step in strengthening the leadership of the European Parliament. Their combined experience and commitment to the institution's values and goals will undoubtedly contribute to the Parliament's ability to effectively represent the interests of European citizens.
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