The meeting started with the appointment of the new Board. Anja Hazekamp (GUE/NGL, NL) was elected by acclamation as President of the Intergroup. She has been an active Member of the Intergroup since her first election and is committed to keep animal welfare as her key priority in the new legislative term. She stressed how important it is that the Intergroup remains a cross-parties and cross-countries group in order to deliver successes for animal welfare. 

Sirpa Pietikainen (EPP, FI) thanked the Members for their support during her presidency. She expressed her hopes that the Intergroup Members will continue to be highly motivated and active. In due regard to her achievements as President of the Intergroup and her commitment to animal welfare, she was appointed as the  Honorary President of the Intergroup by acclamation.