Key facts
- Seventeen Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are highlighted as influential figures.
- Roberta Metsola, Parliament president, is central to potential EPP-S&D rifts.
- François-Xavier Bellamy is a key lieutenant for EPP chief Manfred Weber.
- Camilla Laureti is a vice chair of the S&D group and a liaison for Italian Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein.
- Valérie Hayer chairs the Renew Europe group.
- Anna Cavazzini leads negotiations on the EU's Industrial Accelerator Act.
Seventeen Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have been identified as key figures who will shape major policy battles and influence the bloc's political direction in the coming months. These lawmakers, spanning various political groups, are expected to play crucial roles in upcoming legislative debates, leadership reshuffles, and the broader political landscape of the European Union.
Roberta Metsola, the Parliament president, is expected to be at the center of a potential rift between the European People's Party (EPP) and the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) during the midterm top-jobs reshuffle. While the EPP wants Metsola to remain in her position, the S&D believes it is their turn for a top seat. The outcome of this dispute will test the centrist alliance's ability to cooperate.
François-Xavier Bellamy, a trusted lieutenant of EPP chief Manfred Weber, is seen as a potential figure for damage control, particularly if Marine Le Pen becomes French president. Bellamy, who voted with the far-right Patriots group, could be involved in efforts to bring Le Pen's National Rally into the EU fold, similar to how the EPP engaged with Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy.
Camilla Laureti, an S&D vice chair, is tasked with leveraging Italy's significant delegation within the S&D group. Her role in plenary session preparation and group strategy makes her key to ensuring the Socialists can rebuild the center and prevent far-right majorities. Laureti also serves as a link for Italian Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein ahead of Italy's national election.
Valérie Hayer, chair of the Renew Europe group, is working to strengthen the liberal faction amidst declining support across the bloc. She aims to position Renew as a bridge between EPP leader Manfred Weber and S&D leader Iratxe García, advocating for cooperation between the traditional centrist allies.
Dolors Montserrat leads the Spanish center-right delegation in the European Parliament, preparing for a national election expected by August 2027. Spanish MEPs are anticipated to use parliamentary debates to score political points back home, with Weber having incentives to support efforts to unseat the current Socialist government.
Behind-the-scenes movers include Anna Cavazzini, a Green lawmaker involved in trade policy and chairing the Internal Market Committee, where she is steering debates on Big Tech and digital markets. She is also leading negotiations on the Industrial Accelerator Act, focusing on politically sensitive provisions regarding Chinese investment.
Diego Solier, an ECR MEP, is Parliament’s lead negotiator on the Cloud and AI Development Act and heads the ECR's stance on the Cybersecurity Act, navigating transatlantic tensions.
Lukas Sieper, a young Renew MEP known for his social media presence, is organizing an influencer summit and building cross-party alliances.
Ilhan Kyuchyuk, chair of the Legal Affairs Committee, is leading an overhaul of MEP immunity rules, a topic that has gained prominence due to corruption allegations and influence scandals.
Adam Bielan, president of the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists, maintains a direct line to Poland's Law and Justice party leader Jarosław Kaczyński.