Full Breakdown
EPP's Historic Alliance with Far-Right Alters EU Political Landscape
11/15/2025, 4:51:45 AM
EPP's Shift in Political Strategy
The European People's Party (EPP), the largest political group in the European Parliament, has made a significant shift by aligning with far-right parties to support amendments that weaken corporate sustainability and due diligence laws. This unprecedented cooperation raises questions about the future of the EU's environmental policies and the overall political balance in Brussels.
Key Legislative Changes
On November 13, 2023, the European Parliament voted to amend the corporate sustainability due diligence directive (CSDDD), which was initially designed to hold companies accountable for human rights and environmental issues in their supply chains. The new amendments, backed by the EPP and far-right groups such as Viktor Orbán's Patriots for Europe and Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD), raise the compliance threshold from companies with 1,000 employees and €450 million in turnover to those with at least 5,000 employees and €1.5 billion in turnover. This change effectively removes around 90% of companies from the law's scope, significantly reducing the regulatory burden on businesses.
Implications for EU Governance
The EPP's decision to collaborate with far-right factions marks a departure from the long-standing "cordon sanitaire," an informal agreement among mainstream parties to exclude far-right groups from power. Critics, including Terry Reintke, co-president of the Greens, have labeled this move a breach of democratic principles, warning that it could lead to further paralysis within the Parliament. The EPP's leader, Manfred Weber, defends the alliance as a pragmatic approach to governance, emphasizing the need to cut "unnecessary red tape" and protect jobs.
Broader Political Consequences
This alliance could set a precedent for future legislative actions, potentially reshaping the EU's political landscape. The EPP's willingness to abandon its traditional centrist allies raises concerns about the stability of the pro-European coalition that has historically supported initiatives like the Green Deal and social rights. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President and EPP member, may find her agenda jeopardized as the political dynamics shift.
Criticism and Opposition
Opposition voices have expressed alarm over the implications of this new alliance. René Repasi, a negotiator for the Socialists and Democrats, drew parallels to historical precedents, warning against the dangers of collaborating with extremist groups. Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, the Greens' lead negotiator, stated that this alliance would create instability and hinder the EU's ability to deliver on its agenda.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the EPP's collaboration with far-right parties has been framed as a necessary compromise, dissent within the EPP itself could complicate future votes. There are indications that some EPP lawmakers may oppose this direction, with discussions of a potential secret ballot suggesting internal divisions.
What's Next?
The outcome of this vote signals a potential shift in how the EU navigates future legislation, particularly on issues like migration and climate policy. As negotiations continue between the European Parliament and EU governments, the implications of this alliance will likely reverberate throughout the EU's political framework.
Verbatim Quotes
- “[The] EPP’s alliance with the far right will only create more instability in Europe, and make it harder for the von der Leyen majority to deliver on the European agenda,” — Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, Greens Lead Negotiator
- “We promised to the voters to cut unnecessary red tape, and we will do so. The vote is about nothing else than that.” — Manfred Weber, EPP Leader
- “That led to the rise of Adolf Hitler,” — René Repasi, S&D Negotiator
- “ Mary Khan-Hohloch, a German MEP and member of the far-right Alternative for Germany, said: "Today is a historic day for German and European companies and for democracy.” — Mary Khan-Hohloch, MEP, AfD
This evolving political landscape in the EU underscores the complexities of governance in a time of shifting alliances and challenges to traditional political norms.
