Who We Are
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group is a center-right political group in the European Parliament, formed in 2009 on the basis of the founding principles of the Prague Declaration. These principles brought together Members of the European Parliament from across the European Union who supported a vision of common-sense reform of the entire EU.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Since our group’s inception, we have consistently worked toward a European Union that returns to its fundamental values and offers solutions based on pragmatism and responsibility. We believe that every decision made at the European level should be subject to one fundamental criterion: whether it genuinely serves citizens and delivers tangible value to hardworking taxpayers across the Union. Our efforts focus on strengthening decentralization, building lasting relationships between citizens and the economy, supporting free and fair trade, and ensuring Europe’s security and stability. This approach translates into concrete results that improve the quality of life for residents of member states every day.
We will resolutely continue our efforts toward long-term, pan-European reforms based on the principles of Euro-realism. Our goal is a Union that is more flexible, open, and economically dynamic—one that offers tangible benefits to citizens and responds to the challenges of our time. I am convinced that a Europe that respects the will of its citizens, manages public funds responsibly, and respects the sovereignty of nation-states has the potential to build a strong and secure future for future generations.
Adam Bielan
Chair of the Polish Delegation
of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group
in the European Parliament
The EKR’s activities are based on the so-called Prague Declaration, which sets forth the following principles:
What sets us apart from other groups
in the European Parliament?
Other political groups in the European Parliament advocate for a more integrated Europe or believe that the European Union is a harmful organization that should not exist at all. We, on the other hand, are advocates of a Union that listens to citizens and has the courage to face challenges.
Eurorealism
The ECR’s vision is based on the concept of Eurorealism. We want a modern, thriving European Union that is open to trade, closer to its citizens, and respectful of diversity in Europe. But above all, we want cooperation to be based on common sense, listening to the voices of citizens, and respecting the will of the member states that make up the Union. We believe that the Union should chart a new course that will address current and future challenges and prevent further crises.
What kind of reform are we striving for?
The fact that the ECR Group is the third-largest force in the European Parliament is the clearest evidence that that our calls for reform of the Union reflect the growing Euroskeptical sentiments of citizens in the member states, who oppose ever-deeper EU integration and the unequal treatment of its members. We believe that the foundations of democracy in Europe lie in the member states, which means that to make the Union more democratic, we must expect more direct democracy from voters, but also significantly greater involvement of national parliaments in the EU decision-making process. Since its inception, the ECR Group has sought to ensure that member states regain greater independence.
