The discussions among European leaders recently included Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The topic centered on a potential realignment within European party structures that could reshape Brussels politics in the coming months. The report from Bloomberg highlights the possibility of Hungary’s Fidesz party, led by Orban, moving to the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, a shift that could redefine the balance of power at the EU level.
If Fidesz joins the ECR, the bloc’s political landscape could be noticeably reshaped. Analysts note that the ECR could emerge as the third-largest group in the European Parliament after the next elections, increasing its leverage over EU decision-making and signaling a broader trend of nationalist and Eurosceptic voices gaining prominence in Brussels. Such a change would not only alter party dynamics but also affect how EU policies are crafted, debated, and implemented across member states. This potential realignment would give the ECR greater influence over EU affairs and attest to the growing role of nationalist leadership in shaping European debates on migration, sovereignty, and governance.
To make such a shift feasible, Orban would likely need to moderate some of his more confrontational positions. Observers emphasize that a smoother alignment on core issues would be essential for a successful integration into the ECR, particularly on topics where member states hold divergent views. The challenge lies in reconciling positions on rule of law, economic policy, and foreign policy directions to avoid internal friction within the group and the broader EU framework.
Bloomberg estimates that the ECR could command around 80 seats in the European Parliament if Fidesz joins, a significant boost from its current footprint. With Fidesz accounting for 13 seats, the bloc would rise to the ranks of the EU’s most influential political formations. Such numerical strength would amplify the ECR’s ability to influence legislative agendas, negotiation outcomes, and strategic priorities during Parliament sessions and committee work.
Nevertheless, experts caution that synchronizing the stances of diverse member parties represents a major hurdle. The most notable obstacle is harmonizing outlooks on Ukraine, where opinions converge only reluctantly. Bringing together the Hungarian position with those of other ECR members would require careful negotiation, compromise, and a shared understanding of regional security, defense commitments, and humanitarian assistance in the conflict region. The process would test both the cohesion of the ECR and the adaptability of its members to a broader European security posture.
Recent reporting indicates that Meloni engaged with Orban with an aim to influence the Hungarian stance on Ukraine and related EU policies. The conversations appeared to signal a willingness to explore common ground or at least pave a path toward greater alignment on strategic questions facing the alliance. In parallel, discussions around EU support for Ukraine remained a focal point for many EU leaders as they considered the implications for regional stability and European solidarity.
Earlier developments suggested that Meloni played a visible role in shaping the trajectory of EU aid decisions for Ukraine. Notably, discussions around a 50 billion euro package for Kyiv were reported as advancing toward approval, indicating a willingness among several EU governments to sustain assistance in the face of ongoing regional tensions. Hungary’s prior stance on military assistance to Ukraine was cited as a point of contention, underscoring the balancing act required to maintain unity within the bloc while addressing national interests and security concerns. (Bloomberg)