Outline of the policy positions of the four main political groups in the European Parliament.
European Liberal Democrats/ELDR (Fianna Fáil):
Believe there is a need for better regulation of financial markets with proper supervision to prevent a repeat of the current crisis, but argue that this should not lead to a relapse into nationalisation, over-regulation and protectionism. Say that ambitious reform of the common agricultural policy is required and a continuing reduction of the Cap budget post-2013. Say further enlargement of the EU is desirable along with a strengthening of European security and defence policy, where appropriate in cooperation with NATO.
European People’s Party/EPP (Fine Gael):
Advocates a 10-point plan to tackle the crisis focused on better, more sensible regulation and supervision of financial markets. It says Croatia and other Balkan states should be allowed to join the union but there is a need for prudence with regard to any further enlargement.
The centre-right party says member states should cut taxes to encourage private investment and growth. It also highlights the need to fight illegal immigration and calls for a common asylum policy through the EU.
European Green Party (Greens):
Argue that a green New Deal is required to combat climate change and create jobs in sustainable industries with a massive investment in renewable energy to cut dependence on dirty fossil fuels.
They say labour rights should not be weakened in the name of competition. They call for the reining in and regulation of financial markets. Immigration policies should provide fairer and better treatment for people who wish to live in the EU or who seek shelter from abuse. The EU should be made more democratic.
Party of European Socialists/PES (Labour):
They call for a reversal of the conservatives’ blind faith in open markets by ending tax havens, regulating all financial players and limiting executive pay. Invest in green jobs in Europe by providing 10 million new jobs by 2020. The ECB should aim to promote growth as well as its current primary focus of maintaining price stability – a hugely controversial policy in Germany.
All new and existing EU laws should be reviewed to boost workers rights and a European social progress pact should be agreed to fight poverty. Increase defence cooperation within the EU, in coordination with NATO.
Party of the European Left, partners with Nordic Green Left Alliance (Sinn Féin):
No published manifesto, as is the case with the Alliance for Europe of the Nations (formerly Fianna Fáil’s party) and the remaining European political parties.