The European Parliament political groups approach to the ‘future of Europe’

Abstract

This dissertation aims to examine the approaches of the European Parliament’s political groups to the future of Europe. It focuses on the approach towards how Europe will develop in relation to the ‘EU in the world’ and ‘migration’. Furthermore, it seeks to evaluate the general approach of the political groups toward Europe’s future and assess whether there is an agreement or a disagreement between the political groups in the approach toward the future of Europe. The two research questions are: ‘What are the approaches of the political groups within EP to the Future of Europe, particularly regarding the role of the EU in the world and migration?’, and ‘Is there agreement or disagreement between the political groups regarding the future of Europe?’ The research questions’ analysis is carried out through the speeches made by the political groups throughout the conference and analysis of other kinds of qualitative research. The first research question was analysed through speech analysis. Once the researcher highlighted the approaches of the political groups, he was able to evaluate if these agree with their position on the political spectrum. The second research question was answered by evaluating the approaches of the groups to the future of Europe. Through this dissertation, one could find if there is an agreement or otherwise between the political groups in their approach to the future of Europe. To this end, each political group has been examined in detail through their statements and position papers. This research found it key to evaluate two main topics in relation to Europe’s future given that they have been discussed in the same panel. Based on the findings gathered in the first research question, it was found that the approaches of the political groups to the future of Europe is in line with their position on the political spectrum. The four mainstream groups have a similar approach to Europe’s future. They envisage that Europe should keep integrating in several areas, such as in the areas of defence and security, adopting a leadership role, and confront global issues. Furthermore, they envisage that a common solution to migration is key, which must be found through a long-term solution based upon solidarity and responsibility in order to reduce the burden on the frontline Member States. On the other hand, three Eurosceptic groups have different approaches, and do not hold unified positions. Nevertheless, the findings of this dissertation hold that the ID group wants other alternatives to the integration envisaged by the mainstream groups. This is the only group which has stated that the EU must not invest in updating its migration policies as Europe cannot afford more migration. Similarly, the ECR does not envisage more integration and that the EU needs to arrange its current structure to operate better in the world. The GUE-NGL has put emphasis on the transformation that Europe must focus on more social issues which will enhance its role in the world. This study has shown that these two groups are in line with the political mindset of the mainstream groups that migration needs a common response. However, the ECR emphasises that whilst doing so the EU must make a distinction between legal and illegal migration. This dissertation has found that there is no agreement between the political groups in their approach to the future of Europe, given that there is agreement between the mainstream political groups. Thus, legislation regarding issues which are adopted through the ordinary legislative procedure will pass, as there is agreement towards Europe’s future between the majority of the members of the European Parliament.