STRASBOURG — Members of Ursula von der Leyen’s European People’s Party (EPP) are signaling their intention to impede two pivotal legislative initiatives put forth by the president of the European Commission. This internal dissent is complicating her efforts to establish authority within the EU’s most influential institution.
The EPP, the largest faction in the European Parliament, has been in negotiations with the Commission—over which it holds significant sway—concerning von der Leyen’s proposed restructuring of the EU’s seven-year budget. Additionally, EPP lawmakers are seeking to dilute her commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Challenges from within the party
The current turmoil underscores von der Leyen’s precarious situation as she prepares for two no-confidence votes within the Parliament. While she is anticipated to prevail, her leadership is facing notable challenges from various political factions, with opposition from her own party proving particularly difficult to navigate.
“We are a mayor’s party…and in both aspects, we are not yet fully satisfied with the national reform program,”
stated EPP leader Manfred Weber, who is striving to reconcile differing viewpoints within his party. The disagreements arise from proposals to consolidate agricultural subsidies and funding for disadvantaged regions into centralized funds managed by national governments, a move critics argue would reduce financial support for farmers and diminish local oversight.
Since the unveiling of her budget plan in July, tensions have escalated, with members of both the EPP and the Socialists and Democrats threatening to reject provisions they find objectionable, demanding a thorough revision.
Negotiation efforts and future implications
In an effort to address the rising discontent, the Commission has committed to engaging in formal discussions with key EPP figures. Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin, alongside Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen and Regional Commissioner Raffaele Fitto, has pledged to establish specialized working groups with EPP MEPs to tackle issues related to agriculture, funding for impoverished regions, and the overall budget framework.
“There’s a problem with the architecture of the Commission’s proposal; it’s simply not good,”
said EPP agriculture coordinator Dorfmann. “If the Commission proposes something without a majority, it has to change.”
Discussions at a recent meeting between EPP leaders and the commissioners became particularly heated, with EPP officials expressing their discontent regarding the proposed reforms. Some EPP members have suggested that they might reject the plan outright, potentially resulting in a parliamentary resolution aimed at prompting the Commission to revisit its proposal.
Moreover, the EPP is grappling with another critical issue: the target for emissions reduction. As the EU prepares for the COP30 climate summit in Brazil this November, there is an urgent need for consensus on a 2040 emissions target. Von der Leyen has reaffirmed her commitment to a robust climate strategy, but divisions remain among EPP members regarding the extent of emissions cuts.
Some party officials are advocating for a reduction target below 90 percent, reflecting the party’s internal disputes and concerns about potential voter loss to far-right factions. The EPP’s indecision poses a risk of delaying negotiations in Parliament, potentially leaving the EU unprepared for the upcoming climate summit.
In light of these developments, the group plans to postpone committee votes on climate policy scheduled for the following week, with a focus on awaiting further guidance from EU leaders during their next assembly in Brussels on October 23.