About

Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Netherlands — Democrats 66 (D66)

Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle is a Spanish-Dutch politician and MEP representing the Netherlands for Democrats 66 since July 16, 2024. Born in Madrid on 28 May 1983, she describes herself as “Spanish by birth, Dutch by choice and European by conviction.” She studied journalism at the Complutense University of Madrid and later began political science studies at Complutense and Utrecht universities.

Before entering politics, Raquel built a long career in civil society and non-profit organisations. Her roles included Communications Manager/Director at Earth Day Network (2007–2009), Outreach Manager at Survival International (2009–2013), Head of Public Policy at Stichting AAP (2013–2020), and Director of the Hoogeveen Public Library (2020–2023). After moving to Gorredijk in Friesland in 2012, she became active in D66, chairing the D66 Fryslân chapter from 2019 to 2023.

In the European Parliament she chairs the Delegation for relations with Afghanistan and serves on the Committee on Regional Development (REGI) and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), while acting as a substitute member of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM). She is also involved with delegations to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean and for relations with Maghreb countries. Raquel received the Els Borst Network Inspiration Award in 2019 and was named a “MEP to watch” in September 2025.