Manuela Ripa is Member of the European Parliament and a German lawyer by education. Her work focuses on promoting a circular economy, protecting biodiversity and animal welfare, addressing climate change and ensuring consumer protection. She is a full member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and substitute member of the Committees on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), International Trade (INTA) and of the newly established Sub-Committee on Public Health (SANT). In addition, Manuela Ripa is Vice-President of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Animal Welfare.

Manuela Ripa represents the German Ecological Democratic Party (ÖDP) in the Greens/EFA Group. The ÖDP's primary goal is the transition to an economy that prioritizes the common good and nature over economic growth.