Jan Zahradil discusses shifts in the European Parliament

Jan Zahradil, a former long-serving Member of the European Parliament, notes a significant shift in the European Parliament's composition and atmosphere. He observes that the current Parliament has moved toward a more critical stance regarding seamless European integration compared to previous years.

Zahradil highlights that the Green Deal is undergoing substantial changes in both values and timelines. He suggests that while the Green faction previously dominated the agenda with measures such as the ban on internal combustion engines, European industry and automotive companies are now pushing back. This shift is being adopted by groups like the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and the Patriots.

Regarding international trade, Zahradil praises the European Commission's efforts to secure free trade agreements amidst rising global protectionism, particularly from the United States. He cites the EU's existing agreements in the Asia-Pacific region—including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand—as successful examples of opening new markets.