The future of the European Commission: A shift to the right
In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Nicola Procaccini, co-chairman of the Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group in the European Parliament, predicts a significant rightward shift for the next European Commission.
Procaccini criticized the initiatives of the current European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen and supported by popular, socialist, and liberal parties. He believes these initiatives have been overly left-wing and expressed disagreement with both von der Leyen’s actions and Frans Timmermans’ climate policies.
Power dynamics and future predictions in European Commission
Procaccini argues that Timmermans wielded more power than von der Leyen due to his role in implementing the Green Deal. He asserts that the next European Commission will be more center-right because commissioners are nominated by national governments, which are predominantly center-right.
The European People’s Party (EPP) currently leads in polls, while the far right is gaining traction, and liberals are losing ground. The ECR has not nominated a lead candidate, opposing the Spitzenkandidat system and favoring selection by national governments.
Conservative strategy and immigration
Procaccini emphasized that stopping irregular immigration will be the primary goal for the ECR in the next legislature. He rejects the ‘Eurosceptic’ label, advocating for a return to the original concept of the EU as an alliance of nations handling critical joint issues.
Procaccini opposes further European integration and defends the nation states’ right of veto. However, he supports the issuance of common debt and clarifies that Fratelli d’Italia, his party, will not join the European People’s Party.
With the upcoming European elections, Procaccini’s insights highlight a potential shift in the European Commission’s political landscape, reflecting broader trends in European politics.
