During this event, a roundtable of experts will reflect on the 2024 European elections and their impact during the first six months of the new European legislature, particularly in electing the new Commission and its team.
The European elections, one of the major global electoral events of 2024, were anticipated to result in a right-wing shift amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding in many parts of the world. While this was only partially confirmed, political crises emerged in countries such as France and Germany. Overall, the shift to the right was smaller than expected. The newly elected Parliament witnessed the creation of two new radical right groups—Patriots for Europe and Europe of Sovereign Nations. Despite these developments, Ursula von der Leyen secured a second term in July and introduced a surprisingly ‘mainstream’ college of Commissioners in November, albeit with one of the narrowest margins in the Commission’s history and concessions to the Conservatives and Reformists group. This group is expected to play a key role in the 2024–2029 European legislature. Some commentators argue that Von der Leyen will be weaker in this term, facing greater influence from national governments, especially on certain topics such as the European Green Deal. Others, however, see that she will have greater autonomy and stronger control over her commissioners, and enjoying greater autonomy vis-à-vis the European Parliament.
Guest speakers will discuss perspectives from mainstream parties (EPP, S&D) in the last European elections on campaigning, messaging, and mobilisation; the balance of power within the European Parliament; the role of the new party groups; and the composition of the Von Der Leyen II team of commissioners and its implications. Topics will also include the most critical legislative files for 2025 and beyond, all in light of the new role the EU is expected to take in light of the new transatlantic relations following Donald Trump’s re-election.
The discussion will be held under Chatham House Rule.