VALENCIA, Spain ― This week, the European People’s Party (EPP) leadership convened in Valencia to celebrate their political achievements and strategize on maintaining their influence within the European Union (EU). The annual congress, however, faced a rocky start due to protests regarding local authorities’ management of last year’s devastating floods. Fortunately, the demonstrations were ultimately canceled following a sudden power outage across the Iberian Peninsula, allowing EPP officials to proceed with their gathering in a venue that had previously served as a temporary morgue.
The congress not only offered a platform for networking among party members but also allowed analysts to gauge the evolving dynamics within a party that is undergoing significant transformations as it seeks to counter the rise of far-right factions.
Winners in EPP’s landscape
One of the standout figures at the congress was Manfred Weber, who has solidified his position of power within the EPP. Over the past year, the EPP has enhanced its dominance across the three principal EU institutions: the European Commission, the Council, and the Parliament. Weber, a prominent German politician, was re-elected to lead the party for another three years, reinforcing his role as a key player in European politics.
In his keynote address, Weber celebrated the EPP’s transformation from an opposition party to the largest political force in Europe, drawing commendations from government leaders for his adept coordination of policies in Brussels. Looking ahead, Weber aims to centralize policymaking within the party, thus setting the agenda for the EU institutions. However, his recent appointments of close allies from the European Parliament to senior party positions have raised eyebrows among national leaders who are traditionally more influential.
Adding to the EPP’s robust framework is Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, who was elected one of the party’s vice presidents. Orpo, whose role is considered less prestigious compared to leading a nation, emphasized the need for a connection between the Council and the EPP presidency, particularly since most vice-presidential candidates were Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
Challenges ahead
Germany’s influence within the EPP was notably highlighted by Friedrich Merz, the newly inaugurated German chancellor. Merz expressed optimism about Germany’s renewed presence in EU decision-making, contrasting his party’s strong representation with that of the previous socialist administration. With both Weber and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailing from the conservative faction, Germany is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping key policies. However, this dominance raises concerns among some MEPs regarding the potential overshadowing of other member states, with Irish MEP Seán Kelly acknowledging a sense of apprehension regarding a possible German hegemony.
Weber also addressed the growing threat from populist movements, asserting the EPP’s commitment to countering the authoritarian wave in Europe. This move could, however, inadvertently bolster far-right figures such as Marine Le Pen and Alice Weidel, who may see the EPP’s shift as an opportunity to gain traction among voters.
On the flip side, the congress revealed notable losers, particularly Ursula von der Leyen, whose Green Deal agenda faced heavy criticism from EPP leaders. Many distanced themselves from the ambitious climate policies, citing economic concerns and job preservation. Weber, in particular, rejected the earlier ideological approaches championed by former Green Deal Commissioner Frans Timmermans, asserting that the EPP’s efforts to moderate and postpone aggressive green legislation are a victory for the party. In response, a spokesperson for von der Leyen reiterated her unwavering support for the Green Deal, deeming it a key initiative.
The congress also exposed fractures within the EU’s centrist coalition, consisting of the EPP, Socialists, and Liberals, with Weber blaming the rise of the far-right on the perceived inadequacies of their programs. He criticized the Socialists for abandoning the working class and labeled the liberals as catering only to affluent, well-educated urban voters.
Moreover, the EPP adopted a tough stance on immigration, passing a resolution that could restrict asylum-seekers from entering the EU if they originate from safe third countries. This approach aligns with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s controversial policies, signaling a shift towards stricter immigration controls.