The European Parliament's Sanitary Cordon: Key Messages

The European Parliament has excluded extremist groups from vice-presidencies, applying a 'sanitary cordon'. The move has left parties such as Fidesz, National Rally, and Alternative for Germany without representation.

In contrast, the European Conservatives and Reformists, including Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy, secured two vice-presidencies. Fabrice Leggeri, former director of Frontex, also failed to obtain a vice-presidency.

Spanish MEPs Javi López and Esteban González Pons were elected as vice-presidents. Roberta Metsola was re-elected as President of the European Parliament, which could bode well for Ursula von der Leyen's confirmation as President of the European Commission.

This coalition between the European People's Party, Socialists and Democrats, Liberals, and Greens has been crucial in curbing extremist groups. The 'cordon sanitaire' implemented by pro-European centre parties has effectively isolated the far-right Patriots for Europe group, who failed to secure any vice-president spots despite being the third largest group.

The EU must maintain continuity and decisive leadership by keeping Ursula von der Leyen as Commission President, especially as the EU faces challenges from Putin, Xi, and internal populism.