European People's Party to form European Parliament majority alongside other pro-Ukrainian parties
The European People’s Party (EPP) will build a "broad majority for a strong Europe" with pro-European and pro-Ukrainian parties, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised, Ukrinform reported.
She was speaking in Brussels following the release of preliminary election results.
"I thank the voters for their trust. Today is a good day for the European People’s Party. We have won the European elections,” she said.
“We are now the strongest party and the foundation for stability. I am grateful to the voters who have recognized our leadership over the past five years."
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She emphasized the importance of maintaining unity in Europe.
"These elections have sent us two messages. First, there is a majority in the 'center' for a strong Europe, which is critically important for stability. This 'center' has been preserved,” she said.
“But it is also true that the extreme left and right have gained support. Therefore, these results place a huge responsibility on the parties in the 'center.'”
“We may have differences on various points, but we are all interested in stability; we all want to see a strong and effective Europe."
Throughout the campaign, Von der Leyen repeatedly highlighted her efforts to build a political majority of pro-European forces.
The EPP will immediately begin working with major political parties with similar platforms, including the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and Renew Europe.
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"I have always said that I want to build a broad majority for a strong Europe. I have demonstrated what a strong Europe can achieve during my first term,” she added.
“My goal is to continue on this path with forces that are pro-European, pro-Ukrainian, and stand for the rule of law. This work will begin again tomorrow."
June 9 marked the final day of voting in the European Union’s elections for the European Parliament.
Preliminary results indicate a rise in support for far-right and conservative parties.
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European Parliament elections
The 2024 European Parliament elections are the tenth such elections since 1979 and the first since Brexit, the UK's exit from the EU.
The European Parliament is the only multinational parliamentary body in the world elected by direct vote.
It is re-elected every five years and plays a crucial role in drafting EU legislation, influencing EU policy, and setting EU financial priorities.
It is one of the three main EU institutions, alongside the European Commission (the executive body that proposes and implements EU legislation) and the European Council (the highest political body of the EU, comprising the heads of state and government of all EU member countries).
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