A stable basis in the EP to keep on legislating. The new European Parliament – with 50 percent of new MEPs – started its term on July 1, electing its President, Martin Schulz, the first to be reelected for this job. The German social-democrat secured a large majority (409 votes out of 723), as he had the support, in addition to the S&D (Socialists & Democrats, the second largest party in Parliament with 191 seats out of 751), of the European People’s Party (EPP, right-wing and center right, the largest party with 221 seats) and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE, 67 seats, 4th party since it was beaten by the European Conservatives and Reformists Groups, led by the British Tories, at the last election), even though a few votes were missing.
EU: Europe at a turn in its history
There are many novelties: a new legislative term, a new President for the European Commission bringing a certain amount of hope, new strategic guidelines defined by the Twenty-Eight heads of State and government focusing on growth a little more than before, an Italian Presidency of the EU personified by the sparkling Matteo Renzi who wants to change the course of the EU… Europe is in a pivotal period, with in the background challenges that are more decisive than ever, especially reconciling the public opinion with the European project.
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