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EU holds its breath ahead of expected rightward shift in European Parliament
Although the far right is experiencing substantial growth, pollsters do not anticipate it will dominate the new European Parliament, but this will likely mean a change in priorities away from climate-centred policies and tougher stances on migration
8 June 2024, 2:40pm
Matthew Farrugia
Matthew Farrugia
1 min read
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As Maltese voters take to the polls to choose their six MEPs, the rest of the European Union is expecting a rightward shift in the European Parliament.
According to a number of polls, moderate forces will still play a key role in forming coalitions and alliances to ensure functionality.
The bloc’s largest party, the European People's Party (EPP) are predicted to secure a clear majority, while the socialist S&D are projected to be the second-largest force, as the liberals of Renew Europe are expected to come third, despite potentially losing a significant number of seats.
These parties have supported European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s liberal agenda over the past five years, including the "Green Deal" climate change package, aid for Ukraine, and revised migration rules. This continuity suggests that these policies will persist.
Although the far right is experiencing substantial growth, pollsters do not anticipate it will dominate the new European Parliament.
While Europe's right-wing parties are unlikely to form a single bloc, their increased support and subsequent normalisation as political forces will likely push European leaders to take stricter stances on migration, scale back decarbonisation plans, and potentially reduce the EU's support for Ukraine.
The EU’s priorities are expected to shift in the coming five years, with less focus on environmental policies and more on economic competitiveness amid growing rivalry with China and the United States.
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Matthew Farrugia is a staff reporter at MaltaToday
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