ECR Surges to Third-Largest Group in European Parliament with New Leadership and Boosted Membership: What it Means for Conservative Policies

The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) in the European Parliament have recently undergone a restructuring, boosting their membership to 84 members. This move has positioned the ECR as the third-largest group in the parliament, surpassing the Liberals who currently have 75 parliamentarians. The largest national delegations within the ECR come from Italy and Poland.

The Italian Brothers of Italy (FdI) party is led by Georgia Meloni and has 24 MEPs, while Poland’s opposition party Law and Justice (PiS) has 20 parliamentarians. There had been speculation that PiS might join a new right-wing faction “Patriots for Europe,” which was announced by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl on Sunday. However, despite Fidesz-Partei, FPÖ, and ANO having enough MEPs to form a parliamentary group, they still lack supporters from four other EU countries, preventing them from forming this new faction.

There were also rumors about potential involvement of other populist parties such as the Italian Lega, French Rassemblement National (RN), led by Marine Le Pen, and Portuguese right-wing populist party Enough-I’m Gone. Despite these possibilities, the ECR has consolidated its position as a significant force within the European Parliament with its reorganization and increased membership.

The ECR’s reorganization has enabled it to strengthen its voice in the European Parliament as it continues to advocate for conservative policies that prioritize economic growth and national sovereignty. With its growing influence in Brussels, the ECR is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping Europe’s future direction.