The next European Parliament will lean slightly more to the left, but the centre-right EPP-ED will remain the largest group, political scientists predicted this morning (7 April).

Despite the difficulties faced by Socialist parties in France, Germany, Italy and the UK, the Socialist group overall is predicted to win 209 seats, an increase in its share from 27% to 28%. The Left group is also slated to do better and increase its share of the vote from 5% to 6.5%. The EPP-ED will see a slight dip in its share of seats, from 37% to 34%, but is predicted to win 249 seats, so maintaining its status as the biggest group in the Parliament. The EPP-ED's top ranking would survive the defection of the UK's Conservative party and the Czech Republic's Civil Democratic party (ODS) to form a new group.