The challenges of the future European Parliament

Abstract

Like all parliaments, at the beginning of its term the European Parliament will set its political priorities. This paper will outline some of the challenges that it will face after the election. The Parliament which will be elected in May 2019 will most likely be quite different from the current one. The balance among the political groups is likely to change. A new qualified majority may drive fundamental EP decisions such as the election of the President of the Commission, the renewal of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027 and all the legislation with a financial impact if no agreement is reached before April 2019. This paper will analyse the interaction of various elements and how the EP could respond to these challenges. The new EP might represent the critical voices coming from a large part of public opinion - not only from the more radical parties but also from some Europhiles and Euro critics - and stimulate a radical but soft reform of the European project. Should the EP initiate a change in EU policies, it could be the beginning a more ambitious reform process which could go on to a revision of the governance of the EU and of the Treaties.