Independent Romanian candidate to European Parliament hitchhikes to Brussels with a bag full of questions for EU politicians

There are many routes to political life in Brussels; via national political parties, NGOs, the business community. But Romanian Erwin Albu (in picture) has chosen to hitchhike to the home of European Union political administration. In a time when politicians' accommodation expenses are oft criticized, Erwin should avoid any problems on that front – he'll be staying in a tent throughout his trip.

As well as camping gear, Erwin Albu will be stuffing public concerns and grievances in his backpack, ready to deliver them to the MEPs in Brussels. He is standing as an independent candidate for the European Parliament elections in 2014 but before then, he is offering to raise public questions from the public while he is in Brussels. On Erwin's list so far are preventing the use of cyanide at the Rosia Montana gold mine, stopping shale gas exploitation by fracking, saving Romanian villages and traditional agriculture and halting deforestation. He will also raise Roma discrimination as a problem that Europe urgently needs to resolve and campaign for an improved status for Romanians in the EU. Erwin Albu is inviting comments via email contact@erwinalbu.eu and on his Facebook page, where he will also be posting news of his progress. Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com photo source: Erwin Albu on Facebook