A new legislative period, a changing political landscape, and a European Parliament in flux—what does it all mean for the future of EU decision-making?
As geopolitical tensions rise, the EU faces critical decisions on defence, competitiveness, and climate policy. At the same time, the start of a new legislative period brings uncertainty to the European Parliament. The informal coalition of liberals, social democrats, and conservatives stands on shaky ground, while right-wing populist parties have gained influence. This increasing fragmentation—both within the Parliament and across EU institutions—could make it harder to secure stable majorities and take decisive action.
With Klaus Welle, former Secretary-General of the European Parliament and Chairman of the Academic Council of the Martens Centre, we want to discuss the following questions:
- What does this shifting political landscape mean for EU decision-making?
- How can the European Parliament assert its role in an era of growing polarization?
- How will the rise of right-wing populist parties affect its ability to function effectively?
The event will be moderated by Dr. Thu Nguyen, Deputy Director of the Jacques Delors Centre. This is a hybrid event.
About the speaker
Klaus Welle
Klaus Welle chairs the Martens Centre’s Academic Council since April 2023. Klaus Welle served as Secretary-General of the European People’s Party (EPP) from 1994 to 1999, Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament from 1999 to 2003, Director-General for Internal Policies at the European Parliament from 2004 to 2007, Head of the Cabinet of the President of the European Parliament from 2007 to 2009, and Secretary-General of the European Parliament from 2009 to 2022.