After a first post-election meeting and despite a numerical defeat, Europe’s Greens are ready to negotiate and commit themselves to a greener and more democratic Europe, while remaining vigilant in the face of the rise of far-right forces.
On Wednesday 12 May, the Greens/EFA Group held its first meeting to assess the results of the European elections which ended on Sunday 9 June. At this meeting, the Group also defined its political priorities, discussed the future constitution of the European Parliament and exchanged views on the demands addressed to the next European Commission.
Following a morning of discussions, co-Spitzenkandidat Terry Reintke (German) expressed her satisfaction at the increased diversity of the elected members. “We are obviously delighted to welcome new members from several Member States, especially from Eastern and Southern Europe”, she said.
However, she also expressed concern about the rise of the far right in certain countries, notably France and Austria, where it came out on top in the elections. “We have always been very clear about our position of not working with far-right groups here in Parliament”, added Mrs Reintke.
Corroborating her remarks, the other ‘co-Spitzenkandidat’, Dutchman Bas Eickhout, underlined the complexity of these electoral results, noting that, despite a reduction in seats in the bastions of the last legislature - Germany and France - the Group had succeeded in strengthening its presence in other regions of Europe.
Mr Eickhout called for a stable pro-European and pro-democratic majority. “The only way to create a stable majority is through the four pro-European Groups”, he insisted, referring to the European People’s Party, the Social Democrats and the Liberals.
The two co-leaders reiterated their commitment to the ‘European Green Deal’. Mrs Reintke made it clear that the Group was ready to negotiate, but would stand firm on certain principles. “We want to continue with the ‘Green Deal’ (...) and we will fight for the Rule of law and democracy”, she said.
Regarding the upcoming negotiations, Bas Eickhout added: “We proved during the last parliamentary term that we are a reliable Group that is prepared to make compromises”. He also spoke, as he had on election night, of the need for a green industrial strategy for Europe, stressing that this transition must include a dimension of social justice.
However, Terry Reintke made it clear that the Greens/EFA Group would not cooperate with the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group and would be prepared to “walk away from the table”. And for good reason: Ursula von der Leyen of Germany, head of the EPP list and outgoing President of the Commission, who is waiting for the Groups to be formed, is not ruling out an alliance with the ECR Group or the Greens.
The European Greens will elect their co-Presidents, Vice-Presidents and Treasurer on 19 June. An official meeting is scheduled for 26 June with the elected members of the European Free Alliance to reconstitute the Greens/EFA Group. Their participation in parliamentary committees and national delegations will be approved on 9 July. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)