EPP, S&D after ‘stable political majority’

EPP Group Chairman, Manfred Weber, will tomorrow start discussions on reaching a stable political majority for the next five years with S&D Chairman Martin Schulz.

The majority of EU leaders gathered in Brussels next Thursday will be giving Commission President candidate Jean Claude Juncker their support. On Saturday, the 10 centre-left leaders met in Paris to discuss their proposals for the new Commission’s programme.

Together with two Vice-Chairmen from the EPP and the S&D, Weber and Schulz will start defining the basis for a work programme for the next European Commission as well as an agreement on the presidency of the European Parliament for the term starting on 1 July.

"In the next five years, the European Union has to build the right framework for growth and jobs. In order to do so, we need a stable majority in the European Parliament able to deliver real results,” Weber said yesterday.

“Next week, the EPP Group intends to engage in first talks with the S&D Group to lay the basis for such a majority. Our aim is also to reach an agreement on the election of the future President of Parliament, each for one half of the legislative term.”

Weber said the key lesson from the European elections was that Europe needs to change.

“The EPP Group stands for a reform agenda for the future of Europe. We will work together with the S&D Group on the basis for a work programme for the next European Commission. We are prepared to shoulder our responsibility and want a strong European Parliament shaping the key decisions of the next five years.”

Webet said the EPP group wanted to find a lasting solution to the crisis which is not based on the policies of the past: “We will not accept changes to the Stability and Growth Pact. This is our red line.”