German MEPs float tighter EPP–Social Democrat pact to counter rising far right
Two senior German MEPs have proposed a more formal deal between the center-right EPP and the Social Democrats in the European Parliament, as relations between the two groups sour and the far right gains ground. The discussion also covers funding disputes over Europe's AI data centers and whether the European Commission should join TikTok to reach younger voters.
A Politico Europe podcast examines the growing fragility of the political center in the European Parliament. Two senior German MEPs have put forward a proposal for the center-right European People's Party (EPP) and the Social Democrats to establish a much more formal working arrangement. The idea comes as relations between the two largest groups deteriorate, while far-right parties continue to gain influence within the chamber.
The data center debate
The episode also looks at Europe's push for giant data centers, seen by many as essential if the bloc wants to remain competitive in the artificial intelligence race. It examines who should bear the cost, noting that governments are being asked to commit millions of euros toward Europe's AI ambitions. The discussion also touches on local resistance to a large Google data center project in Austria, highlighting tensions between digital infrastructure expansion and affected communities.
Reaching younger voters
A third topic addresses whether the European Commission should establish a presence on TikTok to connect with younger voters, or whether efforts to appear youthful and trendy could backfire and cause more problems than they solve.
