The recent decision by Volt, the European federalist movement, to remain in the European Parliament’s Green grouping instead of joining Emmanuel Macron’s Renew coalition, has significant implications for the balance of power within the EU Parliament. The decision was made through a poll of party members, with 87% supporting staying with the Greens. This move was partly influenced by Renew’s failure to take a strong stance against the Dutch VVD party for forming a government with Geert Wilders’ right-wing Party for Freedom. Volt felt that the Greens were more committed to fighting right-wing populism, aligning with their values and goals.
The Greens have made it clear that they will only support Ursula von der Leyen’s reappointment as President of the European Commission if she does not move towards the right by collaborating with right-wing figures such as Italy’s Giorgia Meloni. They are focused on maintaining the green deal, upholding the rule of law, protecting freedom, and ensuring a strong European presence in global geopolitics. The decision by Volt to stay with the Greens signals a commitment to these values and priorities, even as parties are racing to form the largest groups within the Parliament to secure funding and influence.
Meanwhile, Renew is facing challenges in maintaining its position within the EU Parliament, with the right-wing Conservatives and Reformists group, ECR, making gains and potentially overtaking Renew in the race for third place. Renew recently lost seven lawmakers from Czechia’s ANO party, while ECR welcomed six new members from the nationalist Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR). Renew currently has 74 MEPs, down from 102 before the elections, while ECR boasts 83 members. With the inclusion of Volt members, the Greens have 53 MEPs.
Emmanuel Macron’s EU party suffered losses in the recent elections, indicating potential further setbacks in upcoming legislative elections in France. While election campaigns often cater to domestic political agendas, Volt positioned itself as a pro-European movement, running under the same electoral program in 16 different states. Volt’s decision to remain with the Greens solidifies its pro-European stance and commitment to fighting right-wing populism, aligning with the values and goals of the Green grouping.
The upcoming confirmation of group memberships at the European Parliament’s first meeting on 16 July will solidify the alliances formed by various parties. Despite the decision by Volt to stay with the Greens, group memberships can still evolve over the five-year term of the Parliament. As parties jockey for position and influence within the EU Parliament, the decision by Volt to align with the Greens rather than Macron’s Renew coalition underscores the importance of values and goals in shaping political alliances and strategies within the EU.
