The European Political Cycle

What is the European Political Cycle?

The 5-year institutional cycle triggered by EP elections, affecting appointments and policy direction

What are the three types of EU political cycles?

5-year cycle, yearly cycle, and domain/institution-specific cycles

What happens after EP elections?

Political groups are formed; Commission President is proposed/elected; Commission members are nominated and portfolios allocated

What is the Spitzenkandidat process?

Political parties nominate lead candidates for Commission President before EP elections

What does the EP do after elections?

Elects Commission President, allocates leadership roles, holds hearings for commissioners

What happens after 2.5 years in the EU political cycle?

The EP president, Council president, and High Representative are up for re-election

What are Political Guidelines?

The 5-year priorities outlined by the Commission President-elect before EP confirmation

What is the Annual Work Programme (AWP)?

A yearly plan by the Commission to implement the Political Guidelines

What is the SOTEU speech?

The “State of the Union” speech by the Commission President to present the work programme to the EP

What is a DG’s Strategic Plan?

A 5-year plan aligned with Commission priorities, revised when a new Commission takes office

What is a DG’s Management Plan?

An annual operational plan aligned with the DG's strategy and Commission goals.

What are examples of domain-specific cycles?

Agriculture and budget follow specific annual cycles (e.g., budget draft in October, evaluations in November)

What are examples of institution-specific cycles?

Weekly Wednesday Commission meetings; EP's Strasbourg/Brussels schedule; Council's COREPER meetings