The European Commission's proposed regulatory reforms have sparked significant debate within the European Parliament, raising concerns over the potential reliance on far-right support to pass legislation. The controversy highlights a sensitive political issue in Europe: the ethical boundaries of aligning with far-right factions to achieve legislative goals. Last year, Ursula von der Leyen secured her second term with backing from centrist parties. However, this time, parliamentarians from various centrist groups, excluding her own center-right European People’s Party (EPP), have expressed strong opposition to the recent proposals aimed at loosening regulations. Critics argue that these changes could undermine corporate competitiveness and create unnecessary bureaucracy.

The backlash against the reform proposals has been widespread. Environmentalists, socialists, and even centrist factions have voiced their concerns. For instance, Bas Eickhout from the Greens emphasized that the measures do little to enhance company competitiveness and appear focused solely on dismantling regulations without strategic consideration. Similarly, Lara Wolters of the Socialist bloc warned that the poorly conceived plans risk increasing bureaucratic hurdles and uncertainty for businesses. Even the Renew group, known for its bridging role between different political camps, has criticized the reforms as being overly tailored to German corporate interests, according to Pascal Canfin, a French MEP.

The Commission now faces a critical decision. It can either engage in lengthy negotiations with centrist parties or explore an alternative path by forming a majority with far-right and nationalist groups. This latter option, advocated by figures like Jordan Bardella, a leader of France’s far-right movement, poses significant ethical and political challenges. The prospect of aligning with hard-right elements has ignited intense debate, underscoring the delicate balance required in European politics to maintain both legislative progress and ideological integrity.

The ongoing dispute within the European Parliament reflects the broader tensions between regulatory reform and maintaining a balanced political approach. As the Commission weighs its options, the outcome will likely set a precedent for future legislative strategies and the role of far-right influences in European policymaking. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Commission can navigate these complex dynamics and achieve its policy objectives without compromising its principles.