On Friday, 24 January 2025, the European Governance and Politics Programme of the Robert Schuman Centre hosted a special roundtable to evaluate the the evolving dynamics of the European Union’s political and institutional landscape in the aftermath of the 2024 European elections. The panel, moderated by Lorenzo Cicchi, featured representatives from the European Parliament and academia: Ouarda Bensouag (Secretary-General, European People's Party), Udo Zolleis (Head of Strategy Unit, EPP), Salvatore Vassallo (Professor of Political Science, University of Bologna), and Francesco Ronchi (Administrator, European Parliament - Directorate for Democracy Support).
Discussions centered on the implications for European governance and policymaking of the new Parliament and Commission , especially since the 10th European Parliament has undergone significant shifts compared to its predecessor. While mainstream groups like the EPP and S&D maintained their presence, the far-right has doubled its representation, forming two distinct groups. In light of these developments, traditional alliances among mainstream parties are no longer sufficient to secure majorities, leading to a fragmented and challenging policymaking environment.
Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as Commission President was another focal point of discussion. On the question what are some takeaways from the 2024 European elections in terms of campaigning, messaging, and mobilisation, Udo Zolleis, Head of Strategy Unit at the EPP, responded that “Ursula von der Leyen was the first Commission President who asked for a re-election. This is a very difficult question, but it was successful. And I think this is the best takeaway, that we have really to be accountable for what we are doing at the European level to the citizens.”
The panelists also noted that key policy areas, such as migration, competitiveness, defence, and security, will dominate the Commission’s agenda. Migration, in particular, has evolved from a policy issue into a deeply polarising topic tied to identity and public opinion. The panel also discussed the impact of external developments, such as Donald Trump’s re-election in the United States, on the EU’s ability to respond to global challenges.
Efficiency in delivering policy outcomes emerged as a recurring theme. the speakers expressed concern about the growing gap between policymaking processes and citizen expectations. They stressed the importance of creating responsive governance structures and avoiding campaign strategies that fail to connect with voters.
The roundtable provided a snapshot of the EU’s political dynamics as it embarks on a new legislative term. With growing polarisation, the rise of the far-right, and external pressures shaping the political environment, questions remain about the ability of the European Parliament and Commission to form effective coalitions and address pressing challenges.