Britse Tories hernieuwen verbinding met Europese christen-democraten (en)

The British Conservatives have signed a new deal with the European Christian Democrats, (EPP-ED), in the European Parliament.

The deal, negotiated by the Conservative party leader Michael Howard and Jonathan Evans MEP, the Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament on Tuesday (10 February) ensures that the Tories are free to promote their views within the EPP-ED Group of the European Parliament.

Since 1992, British Conservative MEPs have been allied to the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, which is the biggest political group.

While the European Peoples Party, (EPP) is for European integration, the European Democrats, (ED) is opposed.

Two years ago, the Conservative Party set down three conditions for its continued membership of the EPP-ED group but these negotiations reached stalemate last autumn.

Plans of forming new group stranded

Some British Conservatives were even in favour of breaking away from the group in the European Parliament. After next June's European elections they hoped to form a new Eurorealist conservative group.

The Czech Republic's biggest party, The Civic Democratic Party (ODS), Slovakia's Christian Democrat Movement (KDH) and Portugal's Partido Popular were among those expressing an interest in joining such a new group.

However, the negotiations with the Christian Democrats were revived by Michael Howard when he became leader of the Conservative Party in November 2003.

"All three conditions have now been accepted. In addition, it has been agreed that the Presidency of the Group must include a Vice President from the ED section of the Group", said the Tories in a press release.

The Tories had demanded formal recognition of the Conservative Party's right to promote and develop its own distinct views on Europe.

Second, that those parties who wish to apply to join the group should be able to join either the EPP or the ED section of it. Third, that the ED element should have more favourable financing and staffing terms within the EPP-ED group.