After several months as a stagière for Plaid MEP Jill Evans in her Brussels office, Gwen Edwards, of Rhosmeirch, Ynys Môn, is returning to her studies, but taking back with her a host of warm memories as well as a wealth of experience. For her part, Jill Evans says she is pleased that another young person from Wales has had 'the Brussels experience'.

Gwen is studying French and English at Durham University, and has worked in the Plaid MEP's office since May as part of her year abroad. She said:

"This has been a wonderful experience for me. I have enjoyed and benefitted from my time in the office, which has encompassed time in the Strasbourg Parliament building as well. Living in Brussels was a fantastic experience.

"The opportunities presented to me have been far greater than I imagined, in that I've been integrated into the life of a very busy office, but also appreciated being given work to do independently. It's certainly not been a case of just following Jill around.

"The variety and sheer amount of work that goes through the office day by day is incredible, and there was a warm welcome right from my first day here."

Jill Evans said that being able to bring young people from Wales to Brussels has been one of the great plus points of being an MEP:

"I have always encouraged young people from Wales to come to Brussels to experience working in the Parliament. Like Gwen, they have made a great contribution to our team and have helped raise the profile of Wales in Europe. We need to be showing off the great talent of our young people at every opportunity.

"Gwen has been here at a very exciting time. Wales is really moving forward in Europe. The Welsh language now has co-official status in the European Union and just last week our first translators from Wales were awarded their qualification to work for the EU. But at the same time she has seen how much work there is still to do in fighting for Welsh interests.

"I will continue to do that as an MEP for Wales and part of that task is ensuring that the voices of our young people are heard in Brussels and Strasbourg. I would encourage others to contact me if they are interested in doing work experience in the European Parliament."

Diwedd/Ends.