Our PRGN colleagues in Brussels, Athenora Consulting, have just released an interesting report on the newly-elected EU Parliament. The report Focus 2009/2014 provides an overview of the 7th legislature, noting that “a pro-free-market, pro-European trend will likely be visible in the work of the parliament over the next five years.”
Other key observations include:
- Just under half of the members are newly elected, opening the possibility for a directional change
- The European People’s Party maintains a very strong position, despite their loss in numbers
- The socialist vote was not boosted by the financial crisis, as anticipated
- There was a strong Green showing, reflecting energy and environment concerns
- The extreme right increased its showing, perhaps bolstered by the economic crisis and disenchantment with mainstream politicians
- The PSE group is now dominated by the German SPD and Spanish PSOE, and changed its name to reflect its new socialist/liberal democratic alliance
- Jose Manuel Barroso has been nominated for a second term as President of the Commission, a move opposed by the Socialists and the Greens
- Graham Wilson, the liberal leader, appears to be in a strong position to win the presidency of the Parliament
In our increasingly global society, the politics of one region often have a dramatic impact on others. Through our affiliation with PRGN, JMC is able to keep its finger on the pulse of international government and business trends for our worldwide client base.
Thanks to Gretchen Reed, JMC’s Director of Editorial Services, for this post.
