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The majority in the European Parliament that supported Ursula von der Leyen in the last five years should also be confirmed during this legislature, after the June 9th elections in the European Union. This means that the approach of the next EU Commission could be in line with the work of the first von der Leyen’s team, as long as the European Popular Party (EPP) and its leaders will not choose to approach some other groups, mainly the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), to shift towards the right.

In any case, the next European Parliament and the new EU Commission will have to work in a complex geopolitical environment, with the shared goal of strengthening Europe’s economic resilience and independence. As we all witnessed, the last few years showed how the economic security of the member states and their citizens cannot be taken for granted, as the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis provoked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rising cost of living had a huge impact on all the EU economies and the everyday lives of average people. The groups that supported von der Leyen’s first term as head of the EU Commission (EPP, Socialists & Democrats, and Renew Europe) believe in the need to promote energy security, fair competition, economic resilience, and the protection of strategic sectors in the EU, as the basis for the political agenda of the next five years in Brussels. This relates also to the “Made in Europe” strategy, promoted by the EPP and S&D in their respective manifestos for the European elections, prioritising domestic manufacturing in critical areas and the securitization of energy supplies, raw materials, and technologies through both investments and trade policies.

A different approach is linked to employment and social policy. The main political families in the European Parliament show different visions for the future social environment on the continent, as the EPP promotes a Europe that “feels like home.” This means supporting families, promoting gender equality, and fostering intergenerational solidarity. The EPP also proposed an investment plan for European “quality jobs” that would cost at least 4% of GDP for both the member states and the EU institutions, with a focus on scientific excellence.

For the Socialists & Democrats, one of the key priorities is to achieve equal pay for men and women and, generally speaking, equal opportunities for all, as well as better working conditions and a minimum wage in the whole European Union. In its manifesto, the group also highlights the importance of combating poverty in the EU, ensuring affordable housing, and reducing homelessness. Together with The Left and the Greens, S&D promotes a strengthening of employment and workers’ protection, which should also be envisioned in the EU Green Transitions. Such a massive project, according to these groups, should address issues like the well-being of European citizens and the preservation/creation of jobs, from a perspective that puts together both social and climate justice.

The Greens moved forward in their manifesto and presented a plan on remote working, an “EU Right to Disconnect” and a proposal for the four-day working week, a view shared also by The Left. On social issues, the Liberals focus instead on guaranteeing individual freedoms, while also calling for a more tolerant society.

Written by: Francesco Marino