Brando Benifei MEP is a member of the Socialists & Democrats (S&D), representing Partito Democratico in Italy. His work at the EP focuses on employment and social affairs, defence, and foreign affairs, specifically relating to Central Asian countries, asylum, and Schengen. He took an active role in the foundation of the Democratic Party in Italy (Party Democratico) in 2007, becoming responsible for European Affairs as well as serving as Vice-President of the Young European Socialists (YES). In addition to his main fields of legislative activity, he is also very passionate and active in the realms of innovation, digitalisation, skills and employment, as well as topics such as copyright reform and nuclear disarmament. In 2015, he was selected by Forbes as one of the “30 under 30” most influential young politicians in Europe.