To constitute an official party group in the next EP, the rues state the following: “25 Members are needed to form a political group, and at least one-quarter of the Member States must be represented within the group. Members may not belong to more than one political group.”  

National parliaments can contribute actively to the good functioning of the European Union. It has never been more important that national parliaments should play a full and active role, both individually and collectively. However, much more could be achieved, within the existing Treaty structure.

The effective involvement of national parliaments is fundamental to ensuring that there is accountability, and legitimacy, for the actions of the Union.

Three key factors are determinant in national parliaments’ influence on EU policy. Availability of information, Availability of time, Ability to bind their government’s position in the Council of Ministers.

The expected turnover of MEPs, in the upcoming European elections has the potential to impact significantly on the regulatory landscape in the EU in many areas. Membership of the influential parliamentary Committees is likely to undergo many changes. Businesses and other organisations will need committed and influential politicians who can help them make their voice heard in Brussels.

1. Austria: Freitheitliche Partei Öesterreichs ( NI) 20%= 4 seats
2. Belgium: Vlaams Belang (NI) 6.4%= 1 seat
3. Bulgaria: Bulgaria bez Tsenzura (NI) 10.7%= 2 seats; Ataka (NI) 6%= 1 seat
4. Croatia: Savez za Hrvatsku (NI) 7.1%= 1 seat
5. Czech Republic: Akce nespokojenych obcanu (NI) 21.9%= 7 seats
6. Denmark: Danske Folkeparti (EFD) 26.7%= 4 seats
7. Finland: Perussomalaiset (EFD) 15%= 2 seats
8. France: Front National (NI) 23.3%= 21 seats

A true account of the role, functions and skills required of Members of the European Parliament is not laid out in any official job description.

The Open Europe think tank has identified 6 distinct categories within the next European Parliament which they have called the 'Malcontents Block'. In terms of the seat distribution, the 'Malcontents Block parties' could collectively secure 218 out of 751 seats or 29%.

As of April 30, the S&D (Socialist) party would have 208 seats in the forthcoming European Parliament's elections, just 5 seats behind the EPP.

Here below is where the S&D stands on key policy areas:

Institutional Affairs: Enforcing the subsidiarity principle, providing the EP with more legislative, budgetary and control powers.

As of 30 April, the European People's Party is just 5 seats ahead of the S& D group with a total of 213 seats (28% of total votes) against 208 seats for the S& D (Socialists).

Here below is where the EPP stands regarding key policy areas:

Institutional Affairs: Enforcing the subsidiarity principle and providing a more democratic Europe.

The next European Parliament's elections will produce a high turnover of MEPs with up to 75% new members being predicted.