EU Conservatives Face Reckoning on Far-Right Issues

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In a rapidly changing political landscape, Europe’s centre-right is at a crossroads, faced with a decision that could shape its future in the European Parliament for years to come. With just two weeks to choose its path, the European People’s Party (EPP) must weigh the benefits of aligning with traditional mainstream allies against the burgeoning influence of far-right factions.

As governments across the European Union grapple with the rise of populist sentiments, centrist parties are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their footing. The recent failure to pass a pivotal law aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles for businesses starkly illustrates the challenges faced by the centre-right. In this balancing act, the EPP must determine whether to dilute its ambitions by sticking with its historical allies or embrace an alliance with the far-right to achieve legislative goals.

Bas Eickhout, co-chair of the Greens, a party that has historically allied with the EPP, encapsulated the dilemma: “The centre-right still has the choice between working with the far right that wants to demolish Europe, or a stable pro-European coalition.” This statement underscores the high stakes involved and the potential repercussions of the EPP’s decisions.

Failed Initiatives and Rising Pressures

The EPP’s recent attempts to pass a bill designed to cut green reporting obligations for companies were thwarted when some members of the centre-left rebelled against their party line. This setback has prompted the far-right Patriots for Europe group to urge the EPP to sever ties with their traditional allies, including the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the Liberal Renew Europe group, and the Greens. Instead, the Patriots are advocating for a partnership that would enable the EPP to push the bill through in the upcoming vote scheduled for November 12.

Pascale Piera, a leading figure among the Patriots, remarked, “I think that a number of EPP members realised that they had made a mistake in allying themselves with the architects of the Green Deal.” With increasing pressure from EU leaders to advance this legislation, the EPP’s choices could have profound implications for the future of European politics.

The central issue at hand is whether the EPP will uphold the so-called cordon sanitaire, an unwritten rule that has traditionally kept the centre from collaborating with far-right factions. The alternative—aligning with far-right groups—could represent a seismic shift in the political dynamics of Brussels.

The Race for Political Legitimacy

As political factions within the European Parliament grapple with the implications of the proposed simplification agenda, divisions are stark. Right-leaning groups are advocating for a significant rollback of EU regulations, particularly in environmental policy, which they argue stifles economic growth. Conversely, left-leaning parties are committed to preserving the regulations they previously established.

The European Commission has put forth an omnibus simplification bill that aims to alleviate reporting obligations for businesses under the EU’s sustainability disclosure and supply chain transparency regulations—critical components of the European Green Deal. This initiative marks the beginning of a series of proposals aimed at cutting red tape to enhance European competitiveness, particularly during the second term of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is a prominent member of the EPP.

In the weeks leading up to the failed vote in Strasbourg, the EPP explored potential alliances with right-wing and far-right groups. Efforts to negotiate with the Patriots, the far-right Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN), and the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) were aimed at securing support for the legislation. However, the resulting agreement failed to convince enough Socialists to back the proposal, leading to its rejection.

Lead EPP negotiator Jörgen Warborn expressed disappointment at the outcome and suggested that the Socialists need to clarify their position moving forward. Despite the setback, the liberal and Socialist factions hope that the EPP will remain true to its centrist roots by making sufficient concessions to secure a majority.

Seeking a ‘Reliable Majority’

Socialist negotiator René Repasi emphasised the necessity for a text that can garner majority support in the plenary vote. He stated, “The more reliable majority is EPP with S&D, Renew and the Greens,” underscoring the potential for collaboration within the centre. However, right-wing factions are keen to see the EPP shift further towards their ideology. For Piera, the initial version of the law negotiated with far-right support should have sufficient backing to pass, and she expressed surprise at the EPP’s decision to abandon that proposal.

As the EPP navigates these complex negotiations, concerns are mounting regarding the implications of leaning on far-right support. Critics, including former Socialist negotiator Lara Wolters, have voiced apprehension about the EPP’s reluctance to make a fundamental political choice between collaboration with groups on the right or left.

Setting a New Precedent

Collaboration with far-right factions could signal a significant shift in the political landscape, according to Andreas Rasche, a professor of business in society at the Copenhagen Business School. He cautioned that such a move would set a “dangerous precedent” for future legislative work. While the right-wing bloc may find success in the short term, Repasi warned that any proposed legislation could face significant hurdles during negotiations with EU member states, potentially leading to a need for the Parliament to reassess its approach.

In conclusion, the next few weeks will be pivotal for the EPP as it contemplates its future direction. The choices made now will not only impact the immediate legislative agenda but could also reshape the broader political landscape in Europe for years to come. As the centre-right weighs its options, the implications of these decisions will reverberate far beyond the walls of the European Parliament.