The European People's Party Group is delivering on its promises: it stands up to help industry and farmers

At a time of rising geopolitical tensions and deteriorating international stability, the question of what role Europe should play on the global stage is being raised. The answer to this challenge is not simple - and today, more than ever, it requires a clear vision and concrete, responsible action from elected political leaders.

Voters in Slovakia have given a mandate to the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) to represent their interests in the European Parliament. The KDH is part of the strongest political faction – the Group of the European People's Party (EPP). As an active member of this faction, it participates in fundamental decisions and co-creates European solutions that improve the daily lives of citizens and strengthen the European Union's ability to respond to the key challenges of today.

Building a framework to support competitiveness has been one of the EPP Group’s top priorities since the beginning of the parliamentary term. The tool to strengthen it is the so-called Clean Industrial Deal. This programme represents a real revolution and for the first time puts industrial competitiveness at the heart of our policies. It is a much-needed transformation plan for energy-intensive industries and the clean technology sector, improving access to finance and affordable energy, securing the supply of critical raw materials and speeding up permitting procedures. We have also supported the automotive industry – we have achieved more flexibility in meeting the emission reduction targets for the period 2025-2027, thus avoiding unnecessary fines. We have also pushed for a revision of the ban on combustion engines. In addition, the impact assessments on competitiveness and SMEs, which were promoted by the KDH, will be systematically included in the impact assessments of all Commission legislative proposals.

The EPP Group is also a supporter of farmers. It is common sense to ensure that those who feed us and protect our food security are well-off. Following our initiative, the Commission has presented concrete measures in its vision for agriculture and food policy, including a generational renewal strategy and better alignment between EU production standards and those applicable to imports. Simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy will make small farms more friendly, on-farm checks will be reduced and the rules on permanent grassland will be more flexible. Cutting the red tape that farmers have to endure after a day's work is a step in the right direction - a demand that has long been pushed by experts and the EPP Group.  

This legislative period is a turning point. By 2027, more than 200 million Europeans will vote, and many national elections will be decisive. The Union needs decisions. It needs action. It needs leaders who can move things forward.

A year ago, we made a public promise: to build a Europe that strengthens competitiveness, stands with farmers and ensures healthy and affordable food. Europeans clearly supported this agenda and gave us a strong mandate – and we are continuing to deliver on this work.