Right-Wing Coalition Patterns in European Parliament Analyzed

Strategic Insights -

New research from the University of Oslo reveals the intricacies of right-wing coalition formation in the European Parliament, shedding light on the conditions that facilitate these alliances. By analyzing voting records from 2019 to 2024 and Legislative Observatory data, researchers identified three distinct coalition types: Grand Right, Far Right, and Center Right+. The study's findings have significant implications for EU policymaking, particularly on issues like EU Integration, climate change, and security.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed voting records from 2019 to 2024 and Legislative Observatory data to identify three coalition types: Grand Right, Far Right, and Center Right+.
  • Grand Right coalitions include all right-leaning groups, while Far Right coalitions exclude the center-right European People's Party. Center Right+ coalitions include at least one far-right group.
  • The potential for right-wing unity is substantial, particularly on EU Integration, climate, security, and cultural issues.
  • For the 2024-2029 parliamentary term, two possible right-wing coalition scenarios emerged: the European People's Party aligns with the far-right on cultural, climate, and security issues or the far-right joins the center-right on economic issues.
  • The study contributes to our understanding of right-wing coalition formation and its implications for EU policymaking.
  • Philipp Broniecki, a researcher at the University of Oslo, was involved in the study and is available for further information.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the European Union Politics journal.

Statistics:

  • 2019-2024 data was used to analyze voting records and identify coalition types.
  • Three distinct coalition types were identified: Grand Right, Far Right, and Center Right+.
  • The study found that the potential for right-wing unity is substantial on EU Integration, climate change, security, and cultural issues (p. 12).
  • For the 2024-2029 parliamentary term, two possible coalition scenarios emerged: European People's Party aligns with the far-right on 3 issues or far-right joins the center-right on 1 economic issue.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies from University of Oslo in the Area of European Union Politics Described (What Unites the Right In the European Parliament?). Politics & Government Business. July 3, 2025; p 12.
  • European Union Politics. What Unites the Right In the European Parliament? European Union Politics, 2025. Sage Publications Ltd, 1 Olivers Yard, 55 City Road, London EC1Y 1SP, England.