A Fluid Parliament: Changes in the Composition of EP Political Groups Ahead and After the 2024 Elections
摘要
The European Parliament is often perceived as a stable institution composed of distinct political groups, akin to national parliaments. However, a closer examination reveals an inherent fluidity in the composition of EP political groups, particularly influenced by the dynamics among national political parties. This chapter explores the shifting alliances and the reconfiguration of these groups within the EP in the run-up to, and following, the 2024 elections. Focusing on changes that took place during the 9th legislative period (2019–2024) and the immediate aftermath of the 2024 elections, the analysis highlights how these shifts impact the symbolic and de facto balance of power within the EP. The 2024 elections were marked by significant transformations, especially on the far-right of the EU’s political spectrum, leading to the dissolution of the ‘Identity and Democracy’ (ID) group and the emergence of two new groups: ‘Patriots for Europe’ (PfE) and ‘Europe of Sovereign Nations’ (ESN). Meanwhile, the centre-left and centre-right groups experienced relative stability, highlighting contrasting dynamics across the political landscape. This chapter investigates the circumstances surrounding these changes, including ideological splits, policy disagreements, and individual MEPs’ shifts in party affiliations. The analysis reveals that while the overall power distribution in the EP has remained largely intact, the symbolic consequences are profound—altering group rankings and alliances. These developments underline the unique challenges faced by the European Parliament in managing fragmentation and maintaining political cohesion in a transnational context. The findings are also relevant for the future majorities in the 2024–2029 Parliament, as further changes amongst the political groups are likely, in particular, at the far-right.