Why bother with Brussels? Political Parties

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) do not sit in the European Parliament along national lines but in multinational political groupings. These grouping are made up of MEPs, from national parties of member states who hold broadly similar political views. Political groups must have at least 20 MEPs from a minimum of six member states. As no political group has ever held a majority in Parliament alliances are formed around particular issues.

When influencing MEPs it is helpful to know which political group they belong to and what their position may be on a particular issue. Most of the websites for the main political groups contain a section on issues of concern that are currently working on, so it useful to check here to see if they may match up with your campaign. Although MEPs are members of political groups they do not always support the party view on an issue. If your MEP doesn't have a strong personal view about an issue your arguments could have a significant effect on how they vote.

Tip - Political groups have secretariats and desk officers which will cover various subject areas, so build relationships with those officers who cover you issue.

Below are the main political groupings for the European Parliament and useful links to the various websites.

European People's Party (EPP) and European Democrats

An alliance made up of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats (centre right MEPs). This is where the UK's Conservative MEPs currently sit.

EPP website

Conservative in the European Parliament website

Philip Bushill-Matthews MEP is leader of the UK Conservative Delegation.

Full list of current Conservative MEPs

Party of European Socialists

An alliance of social democrats and labour parties and is where the UK's Labour or European Parliamentary Labour Party MEPs sit.

Party of European Socialists website

European Parliamentary Labour Party website

Current issues section

Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE)

An alliance of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party and the European Democratic Party and is where UK Liberal Democrats MEPs sit.

ALDE website

Liberal Democrat MEPs website

Current issues section

Green / European Free Alliance

Consists of two quite different groupings of the European Green Party and the European Free Alliance - which is made up of nationalist parties such as Plaid Cymru and SNP members.

MainGreen/European Free Alliance website

European Green Party website