Greens/European Free Alliance: Shaping Green Politics in the European Parliament
The Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA) is a prominent political group within the European Parliament, primarily dedicated to the advancement of green politics. Positioned on the centre-left of the political spectrum, the group serves as a collaborative platform for various ecological and regionalist parties across Europe.
The group is largely composed of members from the European Green Party (EGP) and the European Free Alliance (EFA), a minority-focused alliance. In recent years, the group has expanded its reach by incorporating members from the Volt Europa and European Pirate Party alliances, reflecting a broad coalition of progressive and pro-European forces.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1999 (27 years ago).
- Current Representation: 53 out of 720 MEPs (approximately 7%) in the 10th European Parliament.
- Ideology: Green politics with a centre-left orientation.
- Leadership: Co-chaired by Bas Eickhout and Terry Reintke.
- Core Alliances: European Green Party (EGP) and European Free Alliance (EFA).
History and Evolution
Established following the 1999 European elections for the 5th European Parliament, the Greens/EFA group was formed to unite progressive parties. Over the decades, it has maintained a policy of openness toward non-aligned national parties that share its values. This has included partnerships with various Pirate Parties from the Czech Republic, Germany, and Sweden, as well as the Dutch Europe Transparent party between 2004 and 2009.
A significant expansion occurred on June 9, 2019, when Volt Europa joined the group following a pan-European vote by its members, further diversifying the group's political composition during the 9th European Parliament.
The 10th European Parliament (2024–Present)
In the current legislative term, the group is led by Co-Presidents Bas Eickhout and Terry Reintke, who were elected or re-elected on June 19, 2024. The group's bureau, which manages its internal operations, was subsequently elected on June 25, 2024.
The current membership includes a diverse array of national parties, with Germany's Alliance 90/The Greens providing the largest delegation. The group also integrates regionalist parties from Spain, such as the Republican Left of Catalonia and the Galician Nationalist Bloc.
Current Membership Overview
The group's current strength consists of 53 MEPs. While the European Green Party remains the dominant force, the inclusion of Volt Europa and independent representatives ensures a multifaceted approach to European governance.
| State | National Party | European Alliance | MEPs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Alliance 90/The Greens | EGP | 12 |
| France | The Ecologists | EGP | 5 |
| Italy | Green Europe | EGP | 4 |
| Netherlands | Progressief Nederland | None | 4 |
| Denmark | Green Left | EGP | 3 |
| Sweden | Green Party | EGP | 3 |
| Germany | Volt Germany | Volt Europa | 3 |
Election Performance Trends
The Greens/EFA has experienced fluctuating fortunes over the last quarter-century. After starting with 48 seats in 1999, the group saw a significant surge in 2019, reaching a peak of 74 seats (pre-Brexit) before settling at 53 seats in the 2024 elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary ideology of the Greens/EFA?
The group is driven by green politics and occupies a centre-left political position, focusing on ecological sustainability and progressive social policies.
Who leads the Greens/EFA group?
The group is co-chaired by Bas Eickhout and Terry Reintke. By tradition, the group is usually co-chaired by two presidents, with at least one being a woman.
Which European parties make up the group?
The core is composed of the European Green Party (EGP) and the European Free Alliance (EFA), with additional members from Volt Europa and the European Pirate Party.
How many MEPs does the group currently have?
In the 10th European Parliament, the Greens/EFA has 53 MEPs out of a total of 720, representing approximately 7% of the parliament.
When was the Greens/EFA group formed?
The group was formed in 1999 following the elections for the 5th European Parliament, succeeding the Green Group and the European Radical Alliance.