The European People’s Party (EPP), a powerful centre-right political group, recently welcomed new members at its constitutive meeting. The addition of the Hungarian opposition Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar, and the Dutch farmers party BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB), led by Sander Smit, raises questions about how these new members will align with key issues such as the EU Green Deal and Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression. This development was discussed on the Radio Schuman program, hosted by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist Eleonora Vasques and audio editor Zacharia Vigneron.
As the EPP Group expands with new member parties, it’s important to understand the implications of joining such a political group. The European Parliament groups play a crucial role in shaping policies and legislation at the EU level. Being part of a larger political group like the EPP can provide member parties with greater influence and resources to advance their agendas. However, joining a group also means aligning with the group’s positions on various issues, which may not always align with a party’s own priorities.
One of the key issues that the new EPP member parties will need to address is their stance on the EU Green Deal. This ambitious plan aims to make the European Union climate-neutral by 2050 and is a top priority for the EU in its efforts to combat climate change. Will the Hungarian Tisza party and the Dutch BBB support the EU Green Deal, or will they push for alternative approaches to environmental policy? Their positions on this issue will have significant implications for their relationship with the EPP Group and their standing in European politics.
The question of Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression also looms large for the new EPP member parties. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been a major point of contention in European politics, with different parties taking varying stances on how best to support Ukraine in its struggle. It remains to be seen how the Hungarian Tisza party and the Dutch BBB will approach this issue within the framework of the EPP Group and what impact their positions will have on EU foreign policy decisions.
Overall, the addition of the Hungarian opposition Tisza party and the Dutch farmers party BoerBurgerBeweging to the EPP Group signifies a significant development in European politics. As these new member parties navigate their role within the EPP and address key issues like the EU Green Deal and Ukraine’s defence, their decisions will shape the trajectory of European policy-making. Radio Schuman will continue to cover these developments and provide insight into the implications of these new alliances for the future of the EU and its member states.
