How do we start getting the Parliament elected on the basis of European parties, rather than national ones?

For that we need an issue that can be the dominant electoral issue in all member states.

I think the fastest route would be if PES decided who they want for President (of the Commission) and push their candidate against who they want EPP to nominate (our guy vs Berlusconi or something...). If they need a legal figleaf for the media, the Lisbon treaty says that the Council shall take into account the results of the Parliametn election - clearly this means that the biggest group gets their candidate.

Unfortunately I doubt PES is willing to risk the safe seats on the Commission they get under current arrangement for a grab on all of it. Lacking a will to power, they do.

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