EPP Group

The largest political group in the @Europarl_EN.
We defend centre-right policies to promote growth & jobs in a more integrated Europe. #JobsJobsJobs

[Manfred Weber @ManfredWeber]

The transatlantic partnership remains essential to security, democracy, and growth. The EU must take more responsibility for its own defence—it will make the alliance more credible, balanced, and resilient. We must champion fair trade, competitiveness, and reduce dependencies.

[Manfred Weber @ManfredWeber]

Galway is a moment to reflect on one of the most important strategic questions: the future of the transatlantic relationship. In a time of uncertainty, competition and war, Europe needs strong, constructive transatlantic ties built on clarity, respect, and shared responsibility.

[Siegfried Muresan 🇷🇴🇪🇺 @SMuresan]

We reject the Council’s proposal, which is simply not fit for today’s realities. It does not reflect the needs of Europe’s people nor the position of the European Parliament, as the Union’s democratic and budgetary institution.

The Council's proposal sends entirely the wrong signal. By cutting the Commission's proposal overall by 2%, it effectively suggests that Europe's challenges require less action, not more.

This is particularly concerning given that the Commission had already reduced Heading 1, which finances farmers and cohesion, from around 60% to 45% of the MFF. Cutting it further sends a message to farmers, regions, and citizens that food security, cohesion, border management, and support for local communities matter less than the challenges they are meant to address.

At the same time, when it comes to security, defence and competitivness, we cannot make Europe safer or more competitive, nor play a stronger role at the global level, with 4% cuts in Headings 2 and 3, which finance exactly these priorities.

That is precisely why Europe needs a stronger budget, not a weaker one, such as the one put forward by the negotiation box.

It is wrong to focus only on how much the EU budget costs. The correct approach is also to consider how much more a weaker EU budget will cost us.

Rather than putting forward a toothless budget, we should engage in an open-minded discussion about a new package of genuine EU own resources. Europe cannot continue asking farmers, workers, and taxpayers to shoulder a greater burden while billionaires such as Elon Musk and the world’s largest digital companies continue to profit enormously from the Single Market without making a fair contribution in return. We can correct this with new own resources, such as a digital levy.

We reiterate our call for a moderate 10% increase in the budget in order to adequately finance both traditional and new priorities.

Most importantly, we count on the upcoming Irish Council Presidency to make up for the delays that have accumulated in the Council over the past months. Following the European Parliament’s adoption of its position on the next long-term EU budget, the Council needs to reach a common position as soon as possible so that we can start the much-needed dialogue between the Parliament and the Council and reach an agreement before the end of this year.

@Europarl_EN @EU_Commission @CY2026EU

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

https://t.co/imXY759XXS

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

A visit to Pearse Stadium with the Gaelic Athletic Association was a powerful reminder of how deeply sport is woven into Irish identity and the European way of life.

The @EPPGroup spirit is also one of teamwork, unity and shared purpose - values that sport reflects every day across our continent.

Sport is one of the most powerful forces bringing people together. It must remain a tool for peace, not division, promoting dialogue between cultures and strengthening mutual respect and solidarity across societies.

The EPP Group believes in the European Sport Model: inclusive, community-driven and deeply rooted in our societies.

#EPPStudyDays

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

The future of the global economy will be shaped by how effectively the transatlantic partnership can strengthen open trade, resilience and fair competition.

Trade and investment links remain at the heart of the EU-US relationship. Over 900 US-owned companies support around 245,000 jobs in Ireland alone, which is just one of the EU’s 27 Member States.

Strengthening transatlantic economic cooperation is essential to ensuring growth, stability and opportunity on both sides of the Atlantic.

#EPPStudyDays
@DolorsMM @ReinholdLopatka @ManfredWeber

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

In an increasingly uncertain world, safeguarding global security is one of our greatest challenges.

The transatlantic alliance remains the cornerstone of our collective security, but Europe must also step up.

Building a stronger, more integrated European Defence Union is key to meeting today’s challenges and safeguarding peace.

#EPPStudyDays
@ZovkoEU @GaelleRPiche @AlexGrayForOK @ReginaDo

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

From tomorrow, Europe gets stronger protection at its external borders. As the EU Migration and Asylum Pact becomes fully applicable on 12 June 2026, mandatory screening, security checks and faster border procedures become part of the EU migration system.

The EPP Group also stresses that effective returns are essential for a credible migration policy. "A return decision must lead to a return. Otherwise, the system loses credibility. That is why the Return Regulation to be voted next week is the necessary final piece of the Pact," said @LenaDuepontMdEP MEP, EPP Group Spokeswoman on Home Affairs.

Read more:https://t.co/P6SaSYTCNr

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

From tomorrow, Europe gets stronger protection at its external borders. As the EU Migration and Asylum Pact becomes fully applicable on 12 June 2026, mandatory screening, security checks and faster border procedures become part of the EU migration system. The laws are in place. Now Member States must deliver.

"For years, the EPP Group fought for a common European approach to migration. Today, that work becomes reality," said @tomastobe MEP, EPP Group Vice-Chair and European Parliament Rapporteur for the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation."

Read more:https://t.co/3XMUp3T4IH

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

https://t.co/wVMC2l1iDZ

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

Great to meet Simon Harris, Tánaiste, Minister for Finance and leader of Fine Gael.

With Ireland taking over the Presidency of the Council of the EU next month, Europe has an opportunity to advance its key priorities: security, competitiveness, migration and stronger transatlantic ties.

Europe needs pragmatic leadership and ambitious solutions. Ireland will play a crucial role in shaping the agenda.

#EPPStudyDays
@SimonHarrisTD @ManfredWeber @SeanKellyMEP @ReginaDo @MariaWalshEU @ninacarberry

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

A timely discussion on the future of the Western partnership and the values that continue to bind our societies together at the EPP Group Study Days in Galway.

At its core, the West is built not only on economic and trade ties, but on shared values: peace, democracy, freedom, human rights, justice and equality.

In an increasingly contested world, these principles remain our strongest asset.

#EPPStudyDays
@AndrzejHalicki
@RebeccaLissner @armida_lm

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

From trade and investment to shared values and security, the transatlantic bond matters more than ever.

An important discussion with Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on Ireland's unique role as a bridge between Europe and the United States - and on how we can strengthen that partnership for the future.

#EPPStudyDays
@HMcEntee @ManfredWeber @AndrzejHalicki @ZovkoEU @SMuresan @IuliuWinkler

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

The transatlantic partnership is one of the most important relationships in the world, and it remains central to the EU’s future.

At the @EPPGroup Study Days, we are discussing how our shared history continues to underpin this bond.

A bond that has been built over generations.

When it mattered, we stood together. Today, the EU and the US have the world’s largest economic partnership, generating €1.6 trillion in economic activity and supporting five million jobs.

But this partnership is bigger than trade. It is about democracy, security and supporting Ukraine in the face of aggression.

A relationship built on shared values and a shared responsibility to defend them.

Watch⤵️
#EPPStudyDays

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

🚨 For 68 days, there has been a legal gap in the EU to detect and report Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

◼️ 90% of online child sexual abuse was found because platforms detected it. Now, they no longer can.

‼️ Close the legal gap.
‼️ Protect children, not predators.

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

The best ideas often emerge when people come together.

The EPP Group Study Days are more than politics. They are about bringing people together, learning from one another, and building the relationships that help us tackle Europe's challenges as one team.

#EPPStudyDays
@SimonHarrisTD @SeanKellyMEP @ninacarberry

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

At Knock Shrine, we were reminded that unity is one of Europe's greatest strengths. 

As a political family with Christian democratic roots, the @EPPGroup believes that our European way of life is built on values that bring people together: responsibility, solidarity, respect for human dignity, and service to the common good. 

In a changing world, preserving that unity remains essential for Europe's future. 

#EPPStudyDays

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

A special moment at Knock Shrine during the @EPPGroup Study Days in Galway. 

This place has welcomed generations of people seeking hope, reflection and community. These are also values that matter deeply to our democracies: respect for human dignity, solidarity and a commitment to the common good. 

As Europe faces new challenges, we are reminded that strong societies are built not only on institutions, but also on the values that bring people together. 

#EPPStudyDays

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

The @EPPGroup Study Days kick off in Galway 🇪🇺🇮🇪

From transatlantic relations to global security, the challenges facing Europe demand strong leadership and close partnerships.

With Ireland set to assume the EU Presidency in July, these discussions could not be more timely.

As our MEP @MariaWalshEU said: “With solid, reliable leadership from Ireland and Europe, we can build bridges based on shared values and mutually beneficial partnerships.”

#EPPStudyDays

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

The EPP Group is heading to a very special place. Join MEP @MariaWalshEU on this journey from the European Parliament to...Galway!

Nestled on Ireland's stunning west coast, this city has long connected Europe and the United States through people, business and shared values.

Over the next three days, EU lawmakers, policymakers and business experts will discuss the defining challenges facing Europe today: competitiveness, quality jobs, transatlantic relations and global security.

At a time of growing uncertainty around the world, these conversations matter - for Europe's future and for the people and businesses that depend on it.

@FineGael