In April, Manfred Weber, President of the European People’s Party (EPP) – the largest party in the EP, described populists and extremists as his party’s main rivals [2]:

“As a leader, I defined a clear red line to the extremists, we will never work together with those who are not respecting my three pro’s: pro Ukraine, pro rule of law and pro Europe, these are fundamental things for us.”

The way the position of the EP was adopted is shocking. Just six months after the above statement, the red line has vanished, as the EPP decided to align with the far to significantly water down core elements of the Omnibus package. This was the first time a major legislative file advances thanks to an EPP–far-right voting bloc. The Socialists and Democrats (S&D) drew a historical parallel with the 1930s, recalling how conservatives in Germany distanced themselves from the Social Democrats and later entered government alongside the Nazis [3]. Civil society groups voiced deep concern as well. According to Nele Meyer of the European Coalition for Corporate Justice [4]:

“By aligning with the far right to push a corporate-driven agenda, the EPP has crossed a dangerous line. This isn’t just another policy setback, it’s a betrayal of Europe’s social and environmental commitments. When anti-EU parties and corporate lobbies write the rules, accountability dies and Europe’s credibility crumbles. Today’s vote shows how corporate capture and far-right politics now walk hand in hand, and it’s the victims, workers and the planet who pay the price.”

During the trilogue negotiations between the Parliament, the Council, and the Commission in December, the EU will “determine who sets the standards for transparency, climate transition finance and corporate accountability for European companies — and whether the EU remains a rulemaker or becomes a rule taker in a system shaped elsewhere” [5].

Transparency and consistency are essential for Europe’s sustainability agenda. Businesses need stable rules, investors rely on trustworthy data, and policymakers must ensure climate targets remain achievable. Simplifying regulations may be needed, but weakening accountability and reliability would undermine competitiveness and long-term resilience. The EU has long been a global leader through high standards and innovation. It can maintain that leadership if it chooses ambition over retreat [5].

Cover and preview image: European Parliament. Photo by Christian Lue on Unsplash.