Race for dominance in Brussels: Which National Parties will lead the European Parliament?
The race to lead the European Parliament and Brussels’ future agenda and key portfolios has begun in earnest. Italy and Germany are emerging as dominant forces within the EU’s most influential political groups. But what about France?
The final structure of the new European Parliament is still being solidified, yet early analysis reveals the delegations that are set to dominate the major political blocs. The German delegation is the most significant player within the European People’s Party (EPP), led by Ursula von der Leyen. Germany also holds sway in the smaller Green party. Italy, meanwhile, will exert considerable influence over the center-left socialists and the right-wing Conservatives and Reformists movement (ECR). This follows strong poll performances by the Democratic Party and Giorgia Meloni’s ruling Brothers of Italy.
France’s Absence from Major Coalitions
In stark contrast, France is noticeably absent from the major pan-European coalitions that control the flow of funds and power in the European Parliament. The largest groups, and their most substantial national delegations, are poised to secure top positions such as committee chairmanships and the authority to draft key legislation.
France’s Republican party has only six Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the EPP. The center-right party, historically linked to figures like Charles de Gaulle and Nicolas Sarkozy, is currently in disarray after its leadership attempted to ally with the far-right in national parliamentary elections. This move led to significant internal conflict, with the party’s president, Eric Ciotti, barricading himself in the Paris headquarters amid calls for his resignation.
President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist list secured 13 MEPs, making it dominant within the liberal Renew group. However, Macron’s party was overshadowed by Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, prompting Macron to call for snap elections.
Implications for Other Countries
In contrast to France’s struggles, Poland is set to benefit from strong representation, boasting 23 MEPs in the EPP and 20 in the ECR. Donald Tusk’s center-right government, which took office last year, has been well received in Brussels, and the current election results are expected to further enhance Warsaw’s influence within the EU.
The evolving landscape of the European Parliament underscores the shifting balance of power within the EU. Germany and Italy are poised to play pivotal roles in shaping the future agenda, while France grapples with internal political turmoil. The upcoming negotiations and the final distribution of key positions will determine the extent of each country’s influence in Brussels, setting the stage for the next phase of European governance.
