𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Ursula von der Leyen’s traditional parliamentary coalition of centre and centre-Left parties has been shattered by a landmark vote described as “short-sighted” and “self-defeating”. A major vote on amending European laws to cut regulation and reduce environmental burdens on business passed following pressure from Donald Trump, pushed by the EU president.

Ms von der Leyen has previously relied on votes from her own centre-Right EPP party, along with the centrist Renew Europe party, and the centre-Left S&D grouping. However, Thursday’s vote meant that the traditional coalition was shattered, with the EU chief having to rely on votes from the hard-Right and far-Right to pass her legislation for the first time. In total, 382 MEPs backed the pro-business legislation, with 249 against.

Reacting to the vote, Harvard EU expert Alberto Alemanno warned the decision by Ms von der Leyen to align herself with the far-Right in parliament will have “devastating repercussions” for the European Union.

He explained: “The political parties that have built and governed Europe since its inception are being sidelined in the EU Parliament today. They bear responsibility for their own demise.

“Today’s vote on the Omnibus Simplification Directive not only dismantles the Green Deal but also redefines the political majority governing Europe from now until 2029.

“As of tomorrow, von der Leyen’s political majority will be the Right and far-Right only, with devastating repercussions for the EU’s economy, society, and democratic foundations – while giving Trump’s administration a free hand in Brussels.

“It’s a short-sighted, self-defeating move for the European Council, injecting the same unpredictability that the Simplification agenda was meant to avoid.”

The vote sparked furious backlash on the Left due to the perception it would weaken environmental protections by removing small and medium-sized businesses from complying with full sustainability reporting and due diligence.

Critics argued that the new legislation weakens the EU’s environmental commitments.

Stefan Premer, director, sustainability consulting at Sphera, said: “Today’s outcome in the European Parliament marks a setback for sustainable and accountable policymaking in Europe.

“The result is a significant change to European sustainability regulations.

“The vote not only dilutes core sustainability legislation but also signals a deeper political shift. This development sets a precedent for future negotiations, suggesting that key European environmental and social protections may be increasingly at risk.”