Kariņš, who works on the EP's Committee for Industry, Research and Energy, Economic and Monetary Committee, as well as Inquiry Committee tasked with probing the car industry’s emissions scandal, is considered the 11th most influential member of the European Parliament.
The president of the European Parliament is the most influential MEP overall. Martin Schulz scored a total of 55 points because of his key role as the head of the institution, according to VoteWatch Europe.
The second and third most influential MEPs are the leaders of the two main political groups, the German Manfred Weber (EEP leader) and Italian Gianni Pittella (S&D leader). Weber and Pittella are also members of the largest national delegations within their groups and their parties are currently in the government in Germany and Italy, respectively.
The second most influential MEP from the Baltics, according to VoteWatch Europe, is Estonia's Kaja Kallas - 58th.
The second most influential MEP from Latvia is Roberts Zile (National Alliance) - 143rd, followed by Sandra Kalniete (Unity) - 185th.
