What impact will recent European Parliament election results have on EU policies?

The 2024 European Parliament elections shifted the balance to the right, but they did not remove the pro-EU centre’s ability to form majorities. The centre-right European People’s Party remained the largest group, while the Greens and liberal Renew group lost ground. Right-wing groups gained seats, though they remain divided and do not act as one bloc.

That mix is likely to affect the direction and pace of EU decisions more than to bring an abrupt change of course. The Parliament shares lawmaking power with EU member states, so the Council—where national governments negotiate—also has a major say.

Where the shift may be most visible

• Climate and industry: MEPs may push for a slower or more flexible approach to parts of the Green Deal, with greater emphasis on costs, competitiveness and support for European businesses. Existing laws do not disappear automatically; changing them still requires negotiations and votes.
• Migration and borders: Expect continued pressure for tougher external-border controls and stricter enforcement of asylum rules. The final shape of policy will depend heavily on member states as well as Parliament.
• Competitiveness: Jobs, energy prices, industrial investment and reducing regulatory burdens are likely to receive more attention across party groups.
• Ukraine and security: Support for Ukraine and European defence has backing from many mainstream parties, although arguments over funding, military support and the pace of further EU integration may become sharper.

So the practical impact is likely to be a tougher bargaining environment, especially on climate measures and migration—not a wholesale reversal of EU policy. The Parliament can amend or block legislation and approve the Commission, but turning election gains into law requires coalitions, and those coalitions can differ from one issue to another.