The European Parliament is undergoing changes in political groups and leadership as they prepare for their first plenary session on 16-19 July. Euronews has identified key MEPs who are likely to impact economic and finance policy within the new assembly. The Parliament is being shaped around the powerful European People’s Party group, along with other allies, but faces uncertainty with the inclusion of a strengthened far right. This could influence the development of financial policies over the next five years, particularly in areas such as productivity, financing for high-potential businesses, and innovative firms scaling across the Union.
The Centre for European Reform highlighted the need to focus on implementation rather than regulation and noted the potential hindrance that populist and far-right parties could pose to economic growth initiatives. Some key upcoming agenda items include strengthening the Capital Markets Union and the digital euro project. The Parliament also aims to revise EU rules on payment services, with a focus on making online platforms liable for payment fraud. Over 25 full members of the economic committee are expected to continue their roles in the new term, including committee chair Irene Tinagli and vice-chairs Markus Ferber, Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, Jonás Fernández, and Johan Van Overtveldt.
In addition to returning members, there are newcomers to watch within the economic and finance committee. Sophie Wilmès, a former Belgian prime minister, is expected to shape EU policy after stepping down from her previous roles for personal reasons. João Cotrim de Figueiredo, an experienced businessman and politician, won a seat for the first time in the EU elections with the Iniciativa Liberal party. Pasquale Tridico, a PhD holder in Economics from Italy, has a background in social security and sustainable development. Fabio de Masi, a German-Italian economist, is known for his work in fighting corruption and investigating financial scandals like the collapse of Wirecard. Sérgio Gonçalves, a new member from Portugal, has a background in economics and international management.
The newly formed economic and finance committee in the European Parliament will play a crucial role in shaping policies related to economic growth, financial regulations, and innovation. With a mix of veteran members and newcomers, there is potential for a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to influence decision-making. As MEPs prepare for their first committee meetings in July, all eyes will be on how these influential figures navigate the complex economic landscape of the European Union.
