Written by Contexte
17 April 2026

Despite rumors of internal divisions within the EPP, a majority appears to be secured with S&D and Renew to adopt the text in the TRAN committee. Tensions do exist but remain limited and should not prevent the compromise from passing. Tonight’s vote will mainly test the real solidity of this coalition ahead of trilogues.

A few hours before the TRAN committee vote, the European Parliament’s position is about to be finalized, marking the end of the committee negotiation phase before the plenary vote and the opening of trilogues. While a majority seems to be taking shape on the surface, behind-the-scenes discussions reveal a more nuanced situation.

According to several sources, divisions may exist within the European People’s Party (EPP) group. Some MEPs are reportedly not fully aligned with the compromises negotiated by the group leadership, particularly on certain aspects of the file. Informal contacts with far-right parties may even have been considered, although no identities have been confirmed and such positions do not appear to be widespread.

These signs of internal dissent could, in theory, weaken EPP cohesion and complicate the adoption of its amendments. However, this dynamic is counterbalanced by a more structured agreement. According to multiple sources, the EPP leadership has reached a compromise with S&D and Renew, securing a majority in committee.

Illustration 1: Screenshot of a message received by Contexte teams. Several elements stand out, notably the fact that EPP coordinator MEP Kimakovych Yeva calls for stronger internal coordination and clearly closes the door to dialogue with other political groups.

Illustration 2: Screenshot of messages received by Contexte teams. According to a second reliable source, negotiations did indeed take place ahead of tonight’s vote.

A key political signal reinforces this alliance: the EPP coordinator has explicitly ruled out any cooperation with the far right, clarifying the group’s line and consolidating its strategy of aligning with centrist forces.

In practice, despite internal tensions, the EPP–S&D–Renew coalition appears able to push the report through the TRAN committee. Tonight’s vote should therefore formalize the Parliament’s position before it moves to plenary.

The key question now is the strength of this majority. Between party discipline and potential defections, the vote will serve as a test ahead of interinstitutional negotiations.