Jennifer Baker is joined by 5 MEPs – Amelia Andersdotter (Greens/EFA), Corina Creţu (S&D), Ashley Fox (ECR), Gesine Meissner (ALDE) and Andrey Kovatchev (EPP) – to discuss the role of social media in the European Parliament elections at the debate “How will the new European Parliament make a difference?” jointly organised by viEUws, EU40 & Apco Forum.

• “A lot of MEPs could keep better in touch with the interested parts of their constituencies through social media”, argues Amelia Andersdotter (Greens/EFA)
• “Social media is absolutely important, but on the other side, it is crucial to look at data protection in social media environment”, asserts Gesine Meissner (ALDE)
• “Social media is very important for the young and active generation that uses social media for chatting, entertainment, but also to exchange political views”, states Andrey Kovatchev (EPP)
• “Through social media, we can be closer to people and in this way they can better understand our work”, underlines Corina Creţu (S&D)
• “I use Facebook, Twitter and I send email updates to my constituencies. It is absolutely vital that politicians communicate in as many means as possible with their electorate”, claims Ashley Fox (ECR)