MKI Perspective – Written by Csaba Stefán
The politics of the European Parliament (EP) is undergoing a significant transition. The issues that national parties emphasize during EP election campaigns are increasingly resonating with the average voter. This development is driving a gradual, albeit slow, redefinition of EP elections, by which they have shifted from ‘second-order’ elections to influential events that actively shape European politics. One of the key factors in this evolution is the emergence of the Patriots for Europe EP group. Often mischaracterized as merely an anti-EU faction and subsequently ‘quarantined’ by the mainstream parties, the group represents a first-of-its-kind opposition within the EP, aiming to offer an alternative vision based on the idea of a ‘Europe of Nations.’ In an institution traditionally inclined toward federalist ideals, their presence introduces a new axis of debate: centralization versus decentralization (or pro-sovereignty). This debate is poised to play a defining role in the future of EP politics, especially as both factions contend that their approach offers the most viable solution for addressing Europe’s multiple crises.
Cover source: Diego Radames/Anadolu/AFP