VOX and Fratelli ‘s group surpasses liberals, becoming the third largest force in European Parliament
The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, which includes VOX, Giorgia Meloni’s Fratelli d’Italia, and Poland’s Law and Justice party, has surpassed the liberal Renew Europe group to become the third largest political force in the European Parliament for the first time.
Currently, the European People’s Party (EPP) leads with 187 seats, followed by the Socialists with 136 seats. The ECR has reached 83 seats, overtaking Renew Europe, which holds 80 seats. The non-affiliated members, including Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party and Alternative for Germany (AfD), total 76 seats. Identity and Democracy (ID) holds 64 seats, the Greens have 53 seats, and the Left has 40 seats.
This new political configuration in the European Parliament paves the way for a potential large group of patriots and sovereigntists, which could become the second-largest in the entire Eurochamber. This scenario could lead to a shift in majorities if the European People’s Party decided to end its coalition with the Socialists, a highly unlikely hypothesis that would significantly impact the EU’s legislative agenda and political decisions over the next five years.
EPP President Manfred Weber, on Sunday, urged Socialists and Liberals to support Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as President of the European Commission. “The question is whether we can form reasonable majorities for the future of Europe. My question goes to the other two major political families in Europe. I invite Social Democrats (Socialists) and Liberals to join our pro-democratic and pro-European alliance”, he emphasized.
In January, China issued a warning by launching an anti-dumping investigation into European brandy exports, including French cognac. France was a leading supporter of the EU investigation that led to the announcement of the new tariffs.
The EU is also examining subsidies provided to Chinese wind and solar companies and investigating claims that China is unfairly restricting access to the market for medical devices, a long-standing complaint from European manufacturers.
