The Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group managed to hold on to its seats in the European Parliament in the elections held from 6 to 9 June, according to the latest estimates published on the night of Sunday 9 to Monday 10 June. From 69 to 73 seats, the ECR becomes the fourth political force, after the EPP, S&D and Renew Europe groups, and now in front of the Greens/EFA group.
The ECR will reportedly welcome the largest delegation from Italy, with 23 seats for Fratelli d'Italia, 13 more than before. The Polish party ‘Law and Justice’ (PiS) has lost seven seats, but still retains 20. The Spanish Vox won two, bringing their total number to six, the French coalition La France fière won four, for a total of five seats, and the ‘Greek Solution’ won one, for a total of two. The group will also welcome a delegation from Luxembourg, including a MEP from the Alternative Democratic Reform Party.
Some delegations will remain: Sweden and Belgium, with three seats each, Latvia with two seats and Lithuania with one. On the other hand, the Dutch delegation lost four, leaving them with just one. And the Czech Republic lost one, but keep three.
However, according to the europeelects.eu website, many non-attached MEPs could join the ECR. Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian Prime Minister and leader of the Fidesz party, has indicated on several occasions that he intends to apply (see EUROPE 13420/19). According to our information, his party’s position on Ukraine could prevent this alliance. In addition to the 10 Fidesz MEPs, the ECR could welcome the Bulgarian from the ITN, the Croatian from the Patriotic Movement, the Cypriot from the National Popular Front, the Dane from Æ, as well as two Lithuanians, one of whom is currently attached to the Greens. The ECR could thus overtake the Renew Europe group, which is expected to have around 83 elected MEPs.
At a press briefing at Parliament on Sunday 9 June, Belgian MEP Assita Kanko, Vice-President of the ECR, remained very cautious and would not comment on the potential members of the group. She stated that applications would follow the usual procedure. She also ruled out any alliance with the ID group.
To see the results of the European elections and the latest projections for the future hemicycle of the European Parliament: https://aeur.eu/f/cl2 (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)