Ninth European Parliament

Ninth European Parliament was the legislative term of the European Parliament that commenced in July 2019 following the 2019 European Parliament election and concluded with the constitution of the Tenth European Parliament in July 2024. This term was profoundly shaped by major crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and debates over the European Green Deal. It saw a significant shift in political dynamics with the rise of populism and a strengthened mandate for climate action, operating under the leadership of Presidents David Sassoli and later Roberta Metsola.

Composition and election

The composition was determined by the 2019 European Parliament election, which saw a historic turnout increase across the EU and resulted in significant losses for traditional centrist parties like the European People's Party and the Party of European Socialists. Major gains were recorded by the Greens–European Free Alliance and eurosceptic groups such as the Identity and Democracy party, while the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe was rebranded as Renew Europe. The total number of MEPs was initially 751 but was reduced to 705 following the United Kingdom's departure under the terms of the Brexit withdrawal agreement, which was ratified during this term. Key national delegations included strong showings from parties like La République En Marche! in France, Brothers of Italy, and the Alternative for Germany.

Leadership and organization

The parliament was led by its President, David Sassoli of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, who was elected in July 2019 and served until his death in January 2022. He was succeeded by Roberta Metsola of the European People's Party group, who became the youngest president in the institution's history and its first from Malta. The Bureau of the European Parliament, comprising the president and vice-presidents, managed administrative and financial matters. Legislative work was organized through committees such as the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the Committee on Foreign Affairs, with key roles held by chairs like Pascal Canfin and David McAllister.

Key legislative activities

A central legislative achievement was the adoption and implementation of the European Green Deal, a comprehensive package including the European Climate Law which legally binds the EU to climate neutrality by 2050. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the parliament played a crucial role in approving the landmark NextGenerationEU recovery fund and the associated Multiannual Financial Framework. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it swiftly adopted multiple packages of sanctions against the Kremlin and provided Ukraine with financial and military support, while also granting it candidate status for EU membership. Other significant legislation included the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act, and reforms to the Common European Asylum System.

Political dynamics and groups

The traditional grand coalition between the European People's Party group and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats saw its majority eroded, necessitating more frequent alliances with the centrist Renew Europe and the Greens–European Free Alliance to pass legislation. Eurosceptic and populist forces, fragmented between the Identity and Democracy group and the European Conservatives and Reformists, often opposed further European integration but exerted influence on debates concerning migration, sovereignty, and the rule of law. Major political crises, such as the conflict between the European Commission and governments in Poland and Hungary over judicial independence, were frequently debated in plenary sessions, with the parliament invoking Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union.

Relations with other EU institutions

Relations with the European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, were generally cooperative, particularly in advancing the European Green Deal and the COVID-19 recovery, though the parliament asserted its oversight powers vigorously. It maintained a scrutinizing stance toward the Council of the European Union, especially regarding asylum reform and upholding the rule of law. The parliament successfully leveraged its role in the Spitzenkandidat process to influence the appointment of the College of Commissioners and used its budgetary powers to shape the Multiannual Financial Framework. It also engaged in ongoing interinstitutional negotiations on topics like transparency and the Conference on the Future of Europe.