Europe's conservatives launch early 2029 strategy to counter far right

European People's Party (EPP) chair Manfred Weber launched an internal "Win2029" task force two weeks ago, tasked with building a policy platform strong enough to win back voters from far-right populists ahead of elections in three years. Led by Spanish MEP Esteban González Pons, the group will begin discussions at an October retreat in Sicily, continuing through next spring's EPP congress in Rome.

Internal records and interviews reveal sharp disagreements within the party. In countries such as Spain, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands, conservatives have already governed alongside far-right parties, while Polish and Romanian members oppose any such alignment. German lawmakers remain split, though most EPP members in Brussels still back a firewall against Alternative for Germany.

A firewall with exceptions

In the European Parliament, the EPP has consistently rejected initiatives from the far-right Patriots group while backing similar proposals from the European Conservatives and Reformists, home to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Slovenian MEP Branko Grims was expelled after attending an event organized by Alternative for Germany.

Still, the party hasn't always held the line. A recent vote on the EU's long-term budget saw a right-wing majority strip out green and gender criteria despite leadership's pledge to stick with the center. Internal notes on a migration resolution concerning Ceuta show the EPP deliberately backed one of the Patriots' amendments to make the group feel included.

Migration and social tensions

Since the 2024 election, Weber has pushed to reshape the party's narrative toward tougher migration policy and rolled-back green rules. In June, the EPP called for more investment in Frontex and easier deportations, and replaced the term "irregular migration" with "illegal migration" in official texts. German lawmaker Dennis Radtke cautioned against blaming far-right gains solely on migration, pointing instead to unresolved social problems.

Tensions are also rising over gender equality and workers' rights, as some delegations argue a social focus conflicts with the party's competitiveness agenda. Disputes continue over how far to soften climate rules, including the combustion-engine phaseout and emissions trading system, underscoring the EPP's core dilemma ahead of 2029: harden its stance or hold the center.