EPTECR with 56 current members are the fifth largest group in EU. It consists of mostly british conservatives, followed by chech Civic Democracy Party and polish Law and Order. The eclectic group also includes a libertarian from Belgium and a christian conservative from Netherlands.
The party is still pretty young (established after last election in the parliament!) and the common policy areas will therefore be more case by case and depends a lot on the conservatives from United Kingdom.
They have agreed to the Prague Declaration in 2012 as their primary target. The Prague declaration sets the goal as the “minimal state”, with lower taxes and minimum regulation.
EPP, PES and ALDE all envision a European federation in some form. ECR wants a less closely knit cooperation, but they are not against EU like EFD.
On issues like green energy and civil rights they are very much in agreement with EPP with a modest but positive view on green energy and emphasizing “family values”.
In terms of digital rights, they see the fight against piracy as the most important goal and a free trade agreement with USA as absolutely essensial.
On security issues they are for a strenghtening of NATOs power to increase cross-atlantic cooperation and a support for eastern european democratic development.
Stats:
Leader: Martin Callahan (Conservatives, United Kingdom)
MEPs: 56
Average participation (voting): 81.2 %
Vote cohesion (since last election): 87,2 %
Most cohesion on (committee topic) : Internal Market and Consumer Protection (96,1 %)
Worst cohesion on (committee topic): Regional Development (68,9 %)
Least towing of party line: Danish independent
Sources:
http://ecrgroup.eu/policy/the-prague-declaration/
http://www.votewatch.eu/#tabs-1
