Overview of election programs

European People's Party (EPP)

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Summary

In its manifesto, the European People’s Party (EPP) prioritises sustainable economic growth, social equity, adherence to the rule of law and security. Its agenda includes the reinforcement of democratic institutions, security enhancement within the NATO and EU frameworks, and the promotion of economic stability through a competitive single market that encourages technology-open innovation and digital progress. The EPP also advocates for robust trade policies and gender equality, focusing on protecting and promoting women's rights. The party calls for significant environmental actions to achieve carbon neutrality and supports the modernisation of agricultural practices. It emphasises a unified European defence strategy and migration management through lawful and controlled processes.

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Lead Candidate: Ursula von der Leyen (DE, CDU)

Group in EP: EPP

Manifesto: EPP 2024 Manifesto

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Economic Policies & Energy

-????????? Improvement of conditions for SMEs through the establishment of an EU Competitiveness Check on every EU policy initiative and a European Competitiveness Body for SMEs, along with support for smart trade agreements ensuring reciprocity, protecting EU economic interests and strengthening the industrial base through technological advancements.

-????????? Definition of a “Made in Europe 2030” strategic plan to bolster European industry, following the US example.

-????????? Investment in electricity and gas network interconnections between EU Member States to create a more united and efficient European Energy Union, allowing member states to decide on their specific energy mix following an open and neutral technology approach and promoting alternative fuels, hydrogen technologies, and new power trains for vehicles, aircraft, and vessels, as well as supporting sustainable liquid fuels.

-????????? Support for the European Green Deal to ensure Europe's competitiveness, advocating for positive incentives to promote innovative concepts and market-based instruments for climate protection, such as emissions trading, renewable energy, and the circular economy.

-????????? Implementation of a five-point digital strategy to foster a digital renaissance, including the expansion of a pan-European digital network for 5G and 6G, positioning the EU as a leader in AI while updating data protection laws and upholding ethical standards in AI, creating an innovation union with a European pilot infrastructure for semiconductors and centres of excellence, and securing adequate funding for these initiatives.

-????????? European parliamentary control over future EU aid programs, reform of fiscal policy guidelines for more transparency and investment flexibility, and support for a financial transaction tax.

-????????? Advocacy for high energy standards for new buildings and clear EU regulation of energy storage.

-????????? Strengthening the Single Market for financial services and deepening the Capital Markets Union.

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Sustainability and Agricultural Policies

-????????? Accelerate the adoption of new biotechnologies in agriculture to mitigate climate risks and invigorate interest in agriculture and fisheries among the youth.

-????????? Refinement of the European Green Deal and review of Natura 2000 legislation to better protect nature and align with the interests of consumers and farmers.

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Security Policies and Defence

-????????? Strengthen Europe’s autonomous deterrence and defence capabilities in response to potential U.S. non-support under a Trump presidency.

-????????? Bolstering the defence industry by establishing a Single Market of Defence, building on initiatives like the European Industry Reinforcement Act (EDIRPA) and the European Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP).

-????????? Advocacy for a comprehensive European Defence Union with integrated land, sea, cyber, and air forces, supporting NATO and backed by a European Fund for External Military Intervention for financial contributions to collective defence.

-????????? Proposal to upgrade the European Defence Agency (EDA) to support defence firms financially, standardise defence products, and promote joint procurement and uniform arms export rules across Europe.

-????????? Call for the appointment of a European Security Council comprised of the leaders of EU Member States and other European countries, including at least the UK, Norway, and Iceland.

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External Relations and Enlargement

-????????? Expansion of the EU to include Western Balkan countries and Ukraine, provided they meet all accession criteria, enhancing the EU's strategic depth, democratic stability, and regional security.

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Institutional and Democratic Integrity

-????????? Commitment to upholding democratic values, enhancing the rule of law, ensuring transparency in European institutions, and empowering citizens to have the final say in political decisions through initiatives to make the EU more accountable and increase citizens’ direct influence on European policies.

-????????? Advocacy for controlled migration through strengthened external borders and internal border controls while maintaining free movement to reduce irregular migration.

-????????? Plan to triple Frontex's staff to 30,000, equip it with implementing powers, and allocate a higher budget for modern equipment, focusing on preventing illegal migration into the EU, helping member states secure the EU external border, and increasing the return of illegal migrants to their countries.

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Party of European Socialists (PES)

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Summary

The Party of European Socialists (PES) manifesto promotes a progressive vision for Europe centred around social justice and inclusion, environmentally conscious sustainable economic growth, and comprehensive democratic values, firmly opposing the rising far right and aiming to foster unity and inclusivity across all levels of society. For the PES, Europe has shown its capability to protect its people and provide a future perspective as showcased by solutions to the rising cost of living, the shift to clean energy, the pandemic and the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Accordingly a strategically independent Europe must thus also, in the future, be a guarantor of peace, promote the respect of international law and fair international relations and stand up for the UN Charter and the Declaration of Human Rights.

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Lead candidate: Nicolas Schmit (LUX, Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party)

Group in EP: S&D

Manifesto: PES manifesto for the 2024 European elections

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Economic Policies & Energy

-????????? Advocacy for a new Investment Plan focused on Green and Digital Transitions to create jobs, reindustrialise the economy, and enhance innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability.

-????????? A Made in Europe strategy with joint financing for projects to strengthen economic collaboration within Europe.

-????????? Emphasis on support for SMEs, the self-employed, startups, cooperatives, and social economy enterprises, focusing on empowering female and young entrepreneurs.

-????????? Support for a fair Single Market incorporating transparent state aid rules and a reformed competition policy to equalise global opportunities for European industries.

-????????? Strengthened European sovereignty through secure supply in critical sectors like energy, raw materials, technologies, medicines, and food.

-????????? Opposition to austerity: support for workers during crises, regulation of financial markets, and promotion of an EU architecture for green and social investments.

-????????? Establishment of a permanent EU investment capacity and advocacy for an ambitious European budget for long-term growth and resilience.

-????????? A complementary unemployment reinsurance mechanism in response to crises.

-????????? Stricter procurement rules ensuring public fund recipients respect workers' rights and prioritise social rights over economic interests.

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Sustainability and Agricultural Policies

-????????? Promotion of a Green and Social Deal aligning environmental goals with social progress, emphasising sustainable development, biodiversity protection, and ecological restoration.

-????????? Support for sustainable agricultural practices to increase food security, promote rural development, and reduce environmental impacts, including advocacy for reduced pesticide use and improved soil management.

-????????? Support for farmers and protection from unfair competition from third countries and price speculation to enable fair prices in the agricultural value chain.

-????????? Financial and technical support for farmers to reach the targets to transition to environmentally friendly farming methods.

-????????? Fight against plastic and chemical pollution, especially PFAS and forever chemicals and microplastics.

-????????? Development of an efficient and sustainable water protection and management system to diminish wasteful use of resources.

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Security Policies and Defence

-????????? Promotion of a robust European defence policy encompassing cybersecurity, traditional defence measures, and increased cooperation across EU member states to handle regional and global threats effectively.

-????????? Support for a coordinated approach to migration, ensuring security through fair and dignified asylum and immigration processes while strengthening measures against human trafficking and exploitation.

-????????? Increase of cooperation among European ports to reduce the influx of narcotics into Europe.

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External Relations and Enlargement

-????????? Call for a unified EU foreign policy to advance global peace, human rights, and global cooperation, supporting the strengthening of the EU's diplomatic roles and reforming international relations to uphold the principles of the United Nations.

-????????? Deepening of EU cooperation with the US and other democratic allies and rejuvenation of strong partnership with the United Kingdom.

-????????? Advocacy for expanding the EU to include the Western Balkans and Ukraine, emphasising that new members must meet all accession criteria to enhance the EU’s strategic and democratic capacities.

-????????? Insist on the call for Romania and Bulgaria to be fully and immediately admitted into the Schengen Area.

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Institutional and Democratic Integrity

-????????? A Roadmap for Quality Work and Well-Paid Jobs aims to combat in-work poverty, close gender pay gaps by 2030, regulate AI, limit the pay gap between workers, reach zero deaths at work, ensure the right to disconnect, reduce working time, and end labour exploitation and work-related crime to strengthen social cohesion and institutional integrity on a local level.

-????????? Commitment to upholding and strengthening democratic values and the rule of law across the EU, ensuring transparency and citizen participation in the political process.

-????????? Emphasis on fighting corruption, improving the efficiency of judicial systems, and ensuring rigorous law enforcement to protect democratic institutions.

-????????? Strengthen Europol, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the future Anti-Money Laundering Authority, aiming for a truly European Investigation authority that supports EU member states.

-????????? Cohesion Policy across Europe to improve the quality of life in cities, rural areas and remote regions and reverse the brain drain.

-????????? Rules to safeguard the EU from foreign interference, tackle disinformation, safeguard privacy and protect individuals from hate speech, online violence and harassment.

European Green Party (EGP)

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Summary

The European Green Party (EGP) advocates for radical progress towards a sustainable, just, and democratic Europe. It prioritises combating climate change through a Green and Social Deal, ensuring social equity, and enhancing democratic processes within the EU. The EGP is committed to protecting civil liberties, promoting social justice, and transitioning to a green economy that supports ecological farming and renewable energy sources. The party aims to reshape Europe’s political landscape by integrating environmental action with social policies, fostering a cohesive and proactive European community.

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Lead candidate: Theresa ?Terry“ Reintke (DE, B90/Grüne)

Group in EP: Greens/European Free Alliance

Manifesto:? EGP Manifesto 2024: Courage to Change

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Economic Policies and Energy

-????????? Take steps to go beyond a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030 and achieve full climate neutrality by 2040.

-????????? Strengthening the financial capacity of the EU through strong own resources and higher national contributions.

-????????? Introduction of joint European bonds.

-????????? Completion of the Economic and Monetary Union.

-????????? Introduction of joint European parliamentary control over future EU aid programs.

-????????? Introduction of an unemployment reinsurance mechanism.

-????????? Completion of the Banking and Capital Markets Union.

-????????? Reform of fiscal policy guidelines to achieve more transparency and investment flexibility.

-????????? Introduction of a digital euro alongside book and cash currency, implementation of a financial transaction tax, further development of the EU’s green taxonomy, massive investments in renewable energy, and expansion of the European power grid.

-????????? Introduction of integrated network planning for electricity, gas, and hydrogen.

-????????? Reform of electricity market design to better benefit from the cost advantages of renewables.

-????????? End of the funding of CO? sources in Europe and worldwide.

-????????? Rejection of nuclear power as a sustainable form of energy production.

-????????? Higher energy standards for new buildings.

-????????? Clear EU regulation of energy storage.

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Sustainability and Agricultural Policies

-????????? Align agricultural policy with climate protection, fundamental shift away from subsidies for industrial agriculture based on pesticides, monocultures, and animal suffering and towards massive investment into organic farming and agroecological production.

-????????? Support for the development and promotion of natural CO? sinks.

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Security and Defence Policies

-????????? Emphasis on human security, opposition to militarisation, and advocacy for conflict prevention strategies through diplomacy and sustainable development.

-????????? Prioritisation of protecting individual privacy and personal data in the digital era, emphasising the need for secure and ethical data handling.

-????????? Expansion of civil missions within the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

-????????? Enhanced measures to protect against AI-based cybersecurity threats, especially for critical infrastructures.

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External Relations and Enlargement

-????????? Strengthening the EU’s role in global sustainability efforts, supporting fair trade practices, and promoting cooperative international relations.

-????????? Encouragement of EU expansion under strict adherence to democratic values and human rights, supporting prospective members like Ukraine and Western Balkan countries in their transition.

-????????? Recognition of importance of economic independence from authoritarian states, promoting self-sufficiency and robust human rights policies to address potential threats to international security.

-????????? EU accession prospects for the Western Balkans.

-????????? Strengthening the European External Action Service to enable a Global Green Deal as the accelerating climate crisis undermines peace and prosperity around the world.

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Institutional and Democratic Integrity

-????????? Advocates to equip the EU Parliament with full initiative rights.

-????????? Plans to make the European Charter of Fundamental Rights nationally binding.

-????????? Support for a transparency register for all EU institutions and the involvement of an independent ethics authority to enforce lobby control.

-????????? Significantly increase the EU budget and own resources through higher national contributions.

-????????? Expansion of the use of qualified majority voting to include remaining areas of EU social policy currently under unanimity.

-????????? Support for a significant increase in the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

-????????? Expansion of the European Citizens' Initiative.

-????????? Introduction of European electoral law with transnational lists.

-????????? Ban of unethical AI applications like biometric mass surveillance, emotion recognition, and predictive policing should be banned in the EU.

-????????? Laws against discrimination and for data protection need enhancement to prevent AI from perpetuating biases, particularly against racialized communities.

Renew Europe

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For Renew (consisting of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party (ALDE), the European Democratic Party (EDP) and Renaissance), freedom is the core element of democracy and the basic condition of prosperity. Since they perceive the social and economic processes as intertwined, they highly value unification to develop the peace of European countries and the completion of the single market to reinforce competitiveness, especially regarding digitalisation. Complementary, open trade policies for reciprocal and sustainable external markets should be promoted as a driving force for prosperity. Research, innovation, and new businesses allow us to leverage such effects. ?The premise of “reinvention” should help to handle the consequences of challenges that appeared or intensified in the last years: public health with respect to post-COVID, war against Ukraine, economic issues, global warming and migration. Renew values fair elections, independent judiciary and the separation of power, a free press and media, free sciences, and the protection of vulnerable groups.

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Lead candidates:

-????????? Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (DE, FDP - for ALDE)

-????????? Valérie Hayer (FR, Renaissance - for Renaissance)

-????????? Sandro Gozi (IT / FR, Renaissance - for EDP)

Group in EP: Renew Europe?

Manifesto: Priorities | Renew Europe Now , ALDE Manifesto , EDP - Reinventing Europe ??

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Economic Policies & Energy

-????????? Advancing and modernising the single market by efficient regulation, increased economic integration and the removal of internal barriers – “one market, one rule”.

-????????? Deepen of the European Capital Markets Union and the European Banking Union, better opportunities for private investments and an innovation culture for industries of all sizes.

-????????? Taxation adjustments and tax reporting simplification, implementation of the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB).

-????????? Investments in all types of renewable, carbon-neutral, low-carbon and waste-based energy sources, including nuclear energy, complemented by carbon removal, capture and storage technologies.?

-????????? Deepen electricity interconnections between Member States, ensuring to reach the EU interconnection target of at least 15% by 2023.

-????????? Infrastructure developments for the decarbonisation of transport and mobility.

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Digitalisation

-????????? Implementation of a digital-first principle to facilitate interaction in digital processes, completion of the digital single market, implementation of AI.

-????????? Deployment of secure, resilient, very high-capacity networks to bridge the connectivity gap and to include small cities, rural and remote areas.

-????????? Protection from disinformation and ensuring to create an online safe-space.

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Sustainability and Agriculture Policies

-????????? Implementation of adopted energy and climate rules, expansion of the European Emission Trading System (ETS) and development of a technology-neutral certification system for verified negative emissions, incentives for investing and adapting sustainable production.

-????????? Tackle waste through innovative product design and packaging; explore the possibilities of an EU-wide deposit return scheme for packaging; develop an advanced container standard.

-????????? Dissolution of the polarisation between sustainability and agriculture, reform of Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), lifting of bureaucratic burdens.

-????????? Introduction of new rules for genetically engineered crops to increase productivity and to reduce the amount of pesticide use.

-????????? Enabling of informed consumer decisions through carbon footprint transparency on product labels, avoiding food waste by new rules on the date marking of food products and the encouragement of food donations.

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Security Policies and Defence

-????????? Investments of about €100bn in pan-European defence capability (European Defence Union) to improve independent action capacity, establishing a European Commissioner for Defence.

-????????? Shift to qualified majority voting in foreign affairs, defence and security policy, upgrade of the High Representative and the European External Action Service.

-????????? Extend support for Ukraine, including increased military assistance and NATO membership.

-????????? Sanctions against China for human rights violations and exerting pressure on Taiwan.

-????????? Increase collaboration between Europol, Interpol and national law enforcement to tackle drug-related crime.

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External Relations & Enlargement?

-????????? Revival and initiation of trade agreements with open, market-based economies, that are committed to European values of rule of law, human rights, sensitivity for climate and the adherence to WTO rules (trans-Atlantic free trade agreement with the US, Australia, Mercosur, selected African partners and the Indo-Pacific region).

-????????? Management of geopolitical risks, reduction of (resource-)dependency on non-democratic regimes.

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Institutional Reform

-????????? Reform of EU elections, implementation of transnational voting lists, increasing citizen engagement in European Commission consulting processes.

-????????? Breaking down the Commission’s siloed approach and implementation of “one in, one out” to avoid redundancy.

-????????? Establishment of an effective anti-corruption sanction regime in Europe and reinforcement of national anti-corruption agencies with more funding.

-????????? Reform of the Common European Asylum System to stop cynical and inhuman

business model of smugglers, and reduce push and pull factors.

-????????? Reform of Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, for effective control of

EU external borders with respect for human rights, strong external EU borders.

European Conservatives and Reformists Party (ECR)

The hard-right ECR (group of Giorgia Meloni’s Fratelli d'Italia) pronounces to bring common sense back by following the guiding principle of Eurorealism. This means that cooperation between Member States should be emphasised while, at the same time, their identity and autonomy within confederal institutions should be preserved. The group positions itself with a “benedictine vision” published in a Charter for Conservative Values. The twelve points emphasise preserving cultural heritage, upholding timeless principles, and recognising the wisdom of tradition. They highlight the need to uphold conservative values amidst the noise of superficial and divisive society trends, such as excessive political correctness. However, ECR positions itself in also advocating for diversity of thought, aligning progress with ethics and stressing the role of faith and morality in society. Furthermore, it addresses environmentalism, the protection of life, demographic challenges, the importance of the traditional family, education excellence, and refocusing on essential community issues.

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Lead Candidate: none

Group in EP: ECR

Manifesto: ECR Party 2024 Manifesto and The Benedictine Vision: A Charter for Conservative Values // ECR Group

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Economic Policies & Energy

-????????? Support of any technology that could help Europe achieve a net-zero economy in a cost-effective way, recognizing the importance of nuclear energy, need for increased attention to small modular reactors, geothermal energy as an integral part of a just energy transition.

-????????? Advocating for adaptable SMEs-regulation, prioritising the “Think Small First” principle, emphasising enforcement over new regulation, simplifying procurement, and promoting mutual recognition. Questioning the creation of the Commission’s new EU SME Envoy.

-????????? Preserving the European automotive sector, rejection of the regulatory ban on internal combustion engines set for 2035.

-????????? More efficiency in cohesion policy, focus on minimising burdens for national, regional, and local administrations, greater autonomy for regions in decision-making regarding resources allocation.

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Sustainability & Agriculture

-????????? Reviewing the Green Deal, finding the balance between climate action and prosperity.

-????????? Reversing the trend of companies’ relocations due to harmful policies restrictions, protection of citizens and businesses from negative impacts of the Green Deal.

-????????? Prioritisation of meeting current climate targets, contesting plans to set further greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

-????????? Work for a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that guarantees viable food production in Europe, advocating for reducing bureaucracy and focussing on voluntary incentives rather than top-down measures.

-????????? Development of blue economy, emphasising the responsible and sustainable use of marine resources, urging the European Commission to withdraw the Fisheries Action Plan.

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Digitalisation

-????????? New Legislative Framework (NLF) that liberates innovative software products from outdated rules, boosting investment in technologies such as AI, 5G/6G, quantum computing and other.

-????????? Strongly opposing proposals to de-anonymise the internet and requiring user identification through eID systems, as it stifles freedom and creativity under the guise of security.

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Security Policies and Defence

-????????? Strengthening defence with unity by adding value through pooling efforts, coordination, and engagement in common projects.

-????????? Sceptical stance towards the establishment of a defence union at EU level, defence itself and military preparedness should remain the prerogative of the Member States.

-????????? Stronger sanctions against the common enemy Russia, support of Ukraine.?

-????????? Change of EU border infrastructure financing so that all Member States contribute to the protection of the EU’s external borders.

-????????? Implementation of agreements for regional disembarkation platforms in third countries to proceed asylum claims outside the EU.

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External Relations & Enlargement?

-????????? Promoting rules-based trade and more high-quality free trade agreements to diversify EU supply chains with strategic partners such as US, Mexico, Australia and Thailand, especially deepen and broaden the EU-India Trade and Technology Council.

-????????? Calling for a swifter and firmer response to unfair trade practices, while cautioning against

resorting to protectionist measures, supporting an EU de-risking strategy vis-à-vis China.

-????????? Reform of World Trade Organisation (WTO) with prioritisation of transparency, fairness, and effectiveness, renewal of Appellate Body as a two-tier dispute settlement system.

-????????? Enlargement as a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability, and prosperity, encouraging the Council to adopt the negotiating frameworks with Ukraine and Maldova, process must not be used as a backdoor to introduce treaty changes, such as qualified majority voting in the Council on foreign policy issues.

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Institutional Reform

-????????? Protection of national democracies from disempowerment by Brussels, supporting that the EU focus on fewer tasks, neglection of the EU as a superstate.

-????????? Fighting against unnecessarily onerous regulatory requirements, streamlining bureaucratic procedures, and removing unnecessary reporting and disclosure requirements.

-????????? Implementation of the Once-Only Principle (OOP) as the standard approach, with the goal of reducing administrative burdens and improving efficiency across all sectors.

-????????? Call for a continuous evaluation and cost-benefit analysis of EU legislation, enforcement of a mechanism that requires rigorous impact assessments for all significant legal changes to draft legislation, implementation of a robust performance culture going along with effective budget reallocation.

-????????? Strongly opposing the introduction of EU taxes.