The Green Deal needs to be rethought to emphasize the "competition angle" rather than being "too ideologically driven," according to Thanasis Bakolas, Secretary General of the centre-right European People's Party (EPP). 


Despite the EPP's success in the recent elections, securing 186 seats compared to the Socialists and Democrats' (S&D) 135 and the liberal Renew Europe's 79, Bakolas confirmed that the party will not seek a formal alliance with Giorgia Meloni's hard-right European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group. This stance applies both to re-electing Ursula von der Leyen and forming a governing majority in the upcoming mandate.


### EPP's Strategy for Forming a Majority


"The EPP will seek to form a majority in the European Parliament with friends and allies that we have worked with before—Socialists, Liberals, and possibly the Greens," Bakolas told Euronews. He noted that while major legislation will be considered, collaboration will depend on MEPs willing to support pro-European, pro-rule of law, and pro-Ukraine positions. Bakolas emphasized the possibility of Meloni's MEPs supporting the EPP on a case-by-case basis but ruled out a more formalized agreement.


### Meloni's Role in European Politics


Bakolas acknowledged Meloni's constructive role in European politics, describing her as well-respected and liked within the European Council. He emphasized her importance as a leader from a major EU country, Italy.


### Speculation Around EPP-ECR Alliance


Speculation about a potential EPP-ECR alliance has been prominent during the electoral cycle. Von der Leyen's responses about accepting Meloni's support varied, but she ultimately extended her hand to Socialists and Liberals to build a strong centrist majority, excluding any formal mention of Meloni.



### Building a Pro-European Majority


Von der Leyen aims to form a pro-European majority with S&D and Renew, leaving the door open for other groups, including the Greens, who saw a decrease from 71 to 53 MEPs. Bakolas mentioned the Greens as potential partners for a grand coalition capable of long-term growth.


### Upcoming Leadership Discussions


EU leaders will meet on June 17 and June 27 to discuss top job distributions, including von der Leyen's re-election bid. She will need at least 361 votes in the European Parliament, a challenging path given her narrow margin of nine votes in 2019. Bakolas admitted the process would be "tricky and difficult."


### Criticism and Reevaluation of the Green Deal


Von der Leyen's Green Deal has faced criticism from within the EPP, particularly from Les Républicains in France, who oppose its perceived "de-growth policies." Bakolas stressed the need for the Parliament to act strategically to maintain a centrist coalition.


The EPP's opposition to the Green Deal, especially the Nature Restoration Law, has angered progressives who accuse conservatives of attempting to halt or reverse climate neutrality efforts. Bakolas, however, reaffirmed the EPP's commitment to the Green Deal, attributing past failures to its ideological nature and advocating for a focus on competition.


Bakolas's comments on the Green Deal's ideological aspects echo the ECR's manifesto, which aims to protect citizens, farmers, and businesses from the perceived negative impacts of current climate policies.