European Parliament: Key Lawmakers to Watch in 2025

As the European Parliament reconvenes after a lengthy summer break, it faces a landscape marked by internal strife, external pressures, and a tarnished reputation following the Huawei corruption scandal. With 720 members, only a select few truly influence the legislative agenda. This article highlights the key political figures and emerging power dynamics that will shape the Parliament’s direction in the coming year.

Political Operators: The Movers and Shakers

René Repasi: The Rising Star of the Socialists

René Repasi, a German-Hungarian law professor, has quickly become a significant voice within the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group. Since taking over the German Social Democratic delegation in 2024, he has garnered support as a potential successor to current chair Iratxe García Pérez. His scholarly approach, while sometimes polarizing, positions him as a valuable intermediary between the S&D and the center-right European People’s Party (EPP). As tensions rise between García Pérez and EPP leader Manfred Weber, Repasi’s role could be pivotal in navigating these complex relationships.

Andrzej Halicki: The Counterweight to Far-Right Alliances

Andrzej Halicki stands out as a prominent figure within the EPP, having publicly challenged the party’s strategy of aligning with far-right factions. Serving as Donald Tusk‘s right-hand man in Brussels, Halicki leads the Polish EPP delegation and is tasked with aligning the party’s positions with Poland’s fragile coalition government. With Tusk’s judicial reforms facing potential roadblocks, Halicki’s ability to negotiate with his colleagues will be crucial in securing EU funds while navigating the complexities of Polish politics.

Jeroen Lenaers: The Chief Whip

Jeroen Lenaers, the chief whip of the EPP, plays a critical role in maintaining party discipline. His responsibilities include tracking votes and enforcing a unified stance among EPP lawmakers. As the party shifts further to the right, Lenaers faces the challenge of keeping moderate members engaged while managing the growing influence of far-right factions. His charm and humor may help ease tensions, but the stakes are high as the EPP navigates its identity in a changing political landscape.

Kinga Gál: The Far-Right Enforcer

Kinga Gál, a key player in the Patriots for Europe group, has emerged as a significant force in the Parliament. While her party leader, Jordan Bardella, focuses on French politics, Gál takes on the day-to-day operations of the Patriots. Her role in the Conference of Presidents allows her to shape the agenda, but the party’s recent missteps in policymaking highlight the challenges they face in transitioning from disruptors to shapers of EU policy.

Nicola Procaccini: The Balancer of the ECR

As co-chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), Nicola Procaccini has navigated the delicate balance of representing a diverse coalition of right-wing parties. His recent critique of colleagues from Poland and Romania during a no-confidence vote against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscores the internal divisions within the ECR. Procaccini’s ability to present the ECR as a constructive force will be vital as the group seeks to solidify its position in the Parliament.

Players in the Shadows: Influential Figures

Sophie Wilmès: The Democracy Watchdog

Sophie Wilmès, a former Belgian prime minister, has opted for a vice-presidential role in the Parliament, raising questions about her future ambitions. As chair of the working group on fundamental rights and rule of law, she plays a crucial role in shaping the EU’s stance on democratic oversight. Her strategic positioning could set her up for a leadership role in the upcoming midterm reshuffle.

Fernand Kartheiser: The Controversial Diplomat

Fernand Kartheiser, a former diplomat turned MEP, has stirred controversy with his attempts to reestablish diplomatic ties with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. His past as a double agent complicates his position, and his efforts to organize calls with Kremlin officials have drawn ire from many in the Parliament. As the EU maintains a united front against Russia, Kartheiser’s actions could create significant friction.

Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle: The Anti-Corruption Advocate

In her first term, Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle has emerged as a leading voice against corruption in the EU. As the lead negotiator for the Parliament on an anti-corruption bill, she faces challenges in harmonizing definitions and sanctions across member states. The ongoing negotiations will be critical in shaping the EU’s approach to corruption and accountability.

Brando Benifei: The Diplomatic Connector

Brando Benifei has established himself as a key figure in fostering transatlantic relations, particularly amid a more hostile U.S. political climate. As chair of the U.S. delegation, he maintains discreet channels with American lawmakers, positioning himself as a vital asset for EU-U.S. diplomacy.

Alexandra Geese: The Tech Advocate

As a member of both the industry and internal market committees, Alexandra Geese has become a prominent voice in shaping Europe’s technological future. Her work on the online content moderation rule book and the EU’s technological sovereignty initiatives positions her as a key player in the digital landscape.

Dynamic Duos: Collaborations to Watch

Siegfried Mureșan and Carla Tavares: The Budget Bosses

Entrusted with negotiating the EU’s next seven-year budget, Siegfried Mureșan and Carla Tavares face the daunting task of guiding political groups toward a unified position on a proposed €1.8 trillion budget. Their ability to navigate complex negotiations will be crucial in determining how EU funds are allocated.

Malik Azmani and Marieke Ehlers: The Migration Negotiators

As the architects of the controversial “returns directive,” Malik Azmani and Marieke Ehlers are under pressure to deliver results ahead of the Dutch general election. Their negotiations on deportation policies will be closely scrutinized, as both lawmakers seek to demonstrate their parties’ commitment to tough immigration policies.

Sven Simon and Daniel Freund: The Ethics Advocates

Sven Simon and Daniel Freund represent opposing factions in the ongoing debate over EU ethics and transparency. Their rivalry has evolved into a complex relationship as they navigate the challenges of establishing ethical standards for MEPs. The outcome of their discussions will have lasting implications for the integrity of the Parliament.

Conclusion

As the European Parliament embarks on its second year of political work, the dynamics among its members will play a crucial role in shaping the legislative agenda. With key figures emerging from various political factions, the interplay of power, ideology, and negotiation will determine the future direction of the EU. As the Parliament grapples with pressing issues such as corruption, migration, and technological sovereignty, the actions of these lawmakers will be closely watched by both their constituents and the international community.