Take a break!

TRIUMPH IN JUNE
My undisputed highlight this year were of course the European Elections! Since the moment we started Volt 8 years ago, we have been aiming to enter Parliament from multiple countries – under the same name and programme. This year we managed! With Parliamentarians in the European Parliament from both the Netherlands and Germany, we are getting closer to our prime goal of becoming a real European party. What a huge step that is for a movement still as young as ours! And we are still growing – with delegates to two national parliaments and lots of representatives in local or regional councils, Volt is beginning to impact the everyday life of Europeans and change Europe for the better.

For me personally, the change was a huge one. Now I suddenly have a whole team surrounding me here in Parliament, filling the offices and corridors with life, fun and creative ideas. I can exchange with like-minded people about the way we want to shape the future of Europe. Anna and Reinier, Nela, Kai and I have built up mutual trust and true friendship across our different backgrounds or languages. And together, we speak with one voice in the European Parliament – the voice of Volt!

And there’s so many new faces that have adapted to their new tasks in no time, working hard and sharing the same spirit to make as much impact as possible in this house. This is what we owe to the thousands of you who have placed your trust in us! In our first meetings together, we set the goal to become the best team in Parliament. It’s a process we are all constantly working on. But personally, I can already say I couldn’t wish for a better team. It is a privilege to work with all these motivated and determined people from all over Europe!

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!
I’m not only grateful for the hard work inside Parliament. I truly want to thank all of you outside who made this possible. By campaigning tirelessly. By spreading the word. By donating for Volt. And by dedicating hours and hours of voluntary work to our cause. It makes me humble and deeply grateful. Politics is all about participation. But it also takes courage and dedication to keep up the good work, and that is what I have felt during this year. The European Elections have given us a great boost of motivation, and everyone is still hungry for more. I could see that during our General Assembly in Tirana. So much motivation, so many good ideas and so many new people joining us! With this spirit, I am really confident to face all the challenges that will come our way.

2025 WILL BE DECISIVE
2025 will be another exciting year, we can already say that much. Elections in Germany, elections in France, elections in Romania – only to name a few. I know we will all do our best in our respective countries and positions to colour Europe more purple than ever. For my part, I will do my best to support the German chapter in this crazily rushed last-minute campaign with whatever experience and presence is needed. And I won’t be alone. There will be hundreds of you walking the streets with me, sticking posters and reaching out to the people in this cold winter weather. We’ll need some warm tea and a good share of stamina!

So I do hope you can all find some time to settle down during the holiday season. Recharge your batteries, disconnect, find some calm and warmth with friends and family. It’s our social relationships that keep us going, that give us strength and reassurance. To face all the adventures and the madness that await us next year. Happy holidays and a happy new year, everyone!

Yours,

Damian