EU Parliament Shifts Right as Conservatives Align with Far-Right on Green Policies
Brussels – A notable shift is underway in the European Parliament, as the center-right European People’s Party (EPP) increasingly relies on support from far-right groups to advance its agenda, particularly regarding environmental regulations. This alliance is reshaping the political landscape and raising concerns about the future of the EU’s green initiatives.
The EPP’s New Alliances
Lawmakers in the European Parliament recently agreed to exempt more companies from green reporting rules, a decision made possible by an alliance between the center-right EPP, right-wing and far-right groups. This outcome demonstrates the EPP’s willingness to move away from its traditional centrist allies and collaborate with the far-right to pursue deregulation. [Politico]
The far-right Patriots and Europe of Sovereign Nations groups, along with the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists, voted in favor of the EPP’s changes. Notably, seventeen MEPs from the liberal Renew Europe group and fifteen from the Socialists and Democrats likewise supported the right-wing version of the bill, indicating fractures within traditionally aligned blocs. [Politico]
Undermining Green Rules
This collaboration extends to broader efforts to undermine green rules. Conservative parties are actively seeking to approve new sustainability rules for industry with support from both liberals and, controversially, the far-right. [Euractiv] The likely outcome will require companies with over 5,000 employees and €1.5 billion in revenue to report their impact on human rights and the environment. A previous compromise, which would have applied to companies with 1,000 employees, was rejected. [Euractiv]
The shift mirrors a broader trend of far-right parties gaining influence in the European Parliament, fueled by gains in EU elections. [Courthouse News] Twice in recent weeks, the EPP has joined forces with the far-right to weaken environmental legislation, a move that has drawn criticism from Green parties and other traditional allies.
Concerns and Reactions
Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, lead negotiator for the Greens, expressed concern that the EPP’s alliance with the far-right will create instability in Europe and hinder the delivery of the European agenda. [Politico] She described the vote as a “sad moment for our European values.”
EPP chair Manfred Weber defended the alliance, stating that the party is fulfilling its promise to cut unnecessary red tape. [Politico]
Ursula von der Leyen, a member of the EPP, has not publicly commented on the specific alliances, but the developments raise questions about the future direction of her administration and the implementation of the EU’s environmental policies.
Looking Ahead
The evolving dynamics in the European Parliament suggest a potential shift in the balance of power, with the EPP increasingly willing to collaborate with far-right groups to achieve its legislative goals. This trend is likely to continue shaping lawmaking in Parliament for the remainder of the current mandate, raising concerns about the future of key EU policies, particularly those related to environmental sustainability. [Financial Times]