GROUPS OF THE EU
European Parliament
The European Parliament (EP) is one of the key institutions of the European Union (EU), representing the democratic voice of its citizens. It plays a crucial role in shaping legislation, overseeing the EU's executive bodies, and ensuring accountability in decision-making.
The origins of the European Parliament date back to 1952, when it was established as the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). Initially, it functioned as a consultative body, with members appointed by national parliaments. Over time, its influence grew: in 1979, the first direct elections were held, allowing citizens of member states to elect their representatives.
The Parliament's role expanded significantly with key treaties such as Maastricht (1992), which introduced the co-decision process, and Lisbon (2009), which granted it equal legislative power alongside the Council of the EU. Today, the EP consists of 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), elected every five years.
The European Parliament plays a vital role in the EU's decision-making process, ensuring democratic representation and accountability. Its key functions include:
- Legislation and Policy-Making – While the European Commission proposes laws, the Parliament debates, amends, and approves legislation together with the Council of the EU. It plays a decisive role in shaping policies on issues such as the economy, digital regulations, climate action, and human rights.
- Budgetary Authority – The Parliament, alongside the Council of the EU, approves and monitors the EU's annual budget. It ensures that funds are allocated efficiently and can reject the budget if necessary.
- Democratic Oversight and Accountability – As the only directly elected EU institution, the Parliament holds other EU bodies accountable. It approves and can dismiss the European Commission, conducts investigations, and oversees the implementation of EU laws and policies.
By exercising these powers, the European Parliament ensures that EU decision-making reflects the interests of its citizens and upholds democratic principles across the Union.
Political Groups
In the European Parliament, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) do not sit by nationality but rather by political affiliation. They form political groups, which bring together MEPs from different EU countries who share similar ideological views. These groups influence legislation, debates, and policy decisions in the Parliament.
Political groups are important because they:
- Influence legislation, coalition-building, and voting dynamics in the Parliament.
- Receive EU funding and resources based on their size.
A group must have at least 23 MEPs from at least a quarter of the Member States (7 currently) to be officially recognized.
The last elections took place from the 6th-9th of June 2024. New groups were formed, and some, like Identity and democracy, were dissolved.
Following the "left-right" spectrum, these are the groups:
- The Left in the European Parliament - GUE/NGL
- The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament
- The Greens/European Free Alliance in the European Parliament
- Renew Europe
- The European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
- European Conservatives and Reformists
- Patriots for Europe
- Europe of Sovereign Nations
Next we'll explain in depth each of these group's ideologies, starting from the one with the most MEPs currently.
Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
- 188 MEPs
The EPP was founded in 1976 by Christian Democratic parties committed to European integration and democratic values, some of its original members included prominent movements such as Germany's CDU/CSU, Belgium's PSC, and the Dutch KVP. It expanded its membership to include liberal-conservatives and other centre-right perspectives and since 1999 it has been the largest political group in the European Parliament.
Major associated national parties:
Germany:
m
Spain:
Poland:
Italy:
Romania:
Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands (CDU)
Christlich-Soziale Union in Bayern (CSU)
Partido Popular (PP)
Platforma Obywatelska (PO)
Forza Italia (FI)
Partidul Național Liberal (PNL)
Main priorities and defining characteristics:
- Pro-European - Strong support for the European Union and the European integration process, advocating for unity and cooperation among member states.
- Strengthening Democracy and Rule of Law - Commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that citizens have a decisive role in governance. Emphasizing the importance of a strong democracy based on the rule of law, where the voices of the people are paramount.
- Social Market Economy - Advocating for an economic system that balances economic freedom with social responsibility, supports policies that foster both economic growth and social welfare. Aiming to create secure jobs and support families, reflecting their commitment to a fair and prosperous society.
- Ensuring Security and Stability - Prioritizing the protection of citizens from both internal and external threats. They call for adequate national defense spending and the development of a common European defense policy to address current and future challenges effectively.
- Christian Democratic Roots - Originating from Christian democratic traditions, the EPP emphasizes values such as human dignity, solidarity, and subsidiarity. These principles guide their policy-making and political stance.
Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament
- 136 MEPs
The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) traces its roots to 1953, when socialist and labour parties formed the Socialist Group in the early European Assembly. As the EU evolved, so did the group, growing into a major force, In 2009, it adopted the name S&D to reflect a broader alliance, including Italy's Democratic Party, and a more inclusive progressive identity. Today, the S&D is the second-largest group in the European Parliament.
Major associated national parties:
Italy:
Spain:
Germany:
France:
Romania:
Portugal:
Partito Democratico (PD)
Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE)
Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands (SPD)
Parti socialiste (PS)
Partidul Social Democrat (PSD)
Partido Socialista (PS)
Main priorities and defining characteristics:
- Pro-European - The group advocates for deeper European integration to address common challenges and enhance the EU's role on the global stage.
- Social Justice and Equality - The S&D emphasizes combating social and economic disparities, advocating for policies that ensure equal opportunities and social protection for all citizens.
- Gender Equality and Women's Rights - The group is dedicated to creating a feminist Europe where everyone, regardless of gender, has the same opportunities and rights.
- Environmental Sustainability (The Green Deal) - Supporting ambitious climate action, aiming for a just transition to a sustainable economy that benefits both the environment and society.
- Affordable and Decent Housing - Recognizing housing as a fundamental right, the group strives to ensure access to affordable and quality housing for all Europeans.
- Focus on Social Democratic Values - Rooted in social democracy, the S&D prioritizes policies that promote social welfare, workers' rights, and equitable economic development.
Read more:
Patriots For Europe
- 86 MEPs
Patriots for Europe was founded in June 2024 by Hungary's Fidesz, France's National Rally, and Austria's FPÖ. Launched in Vienna, the group emerged as a new alliance of nationalist and sovereigntist parties ahead of the 2024 European elections. Most of its founding members, like National Rally and FPÖ, previously belonged to the Identity and Democracy (ID) group but left to form a broader, more unified right-wing bloc.
Major associated national parties:
France:
Hungary:
Italy:
Czech Republic:
Spain:
Netherlands:
Rassemblement National (RN)
Fidesz – Magyar Polgári Szövetség
Lega
ANO 2011 (ANO)
Vox
Partij voor de Vrijheid (PVV)
Main priorities and defining characteristics:
- National Sovereignty over Federalism - Viewing the current direction of EU integration as overly centralized. It supports shifting decision-making power back to national governments, arguing that member states should have more control over key areas such as migration, lawmaking, and cultural affairs.
- Critique of EU Bureaucracy - What it sees as unaccountable EU institutions and top-down policymaking. It calls for reforms to reduce what it labels as "diktats" from Brussels, favoring a more intergovernmental approach to cooperation.
- Traditional Values and Cultural Identity - Emphasizing the importance of preserving Europe's historical, religious, and cultural traditions. It frames its platform to defend the continent's Judeo-Christian heritage, national identities, and family structures.
- Security and Controlled Migration - Immigration is a central concern. PfE calls for stricter border controls and immigration policies, linking these to broader concerns about national security, public order, and cultural cohesion.
- Peace and Stability - The group often speaks of wanting a peaceful and sovereign Europe, opposing what it views as foreign entanglements or ideological divisions that might undermine national or continental stability.
Read more:
Check out 2024's election results, your countries parties affiliations and think who you will vote for in 2029!