site.btaBulgarian MEPs Elena Yoncheva, Taner Kabilov Join European Conservatives and Reformists Group

Bulgarian Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Elena Yoncheva and Taner Kabilov, who were elected on the ticket of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), have joined the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group in the European Parliament. The announcement was made by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola at the start of the plenary session in Strasbourg on July 8, 2026, Yoncheva’s press office said on Wednesday.

Until now, the two Bulgarian MEPs had been non-attached members of the European Parliament after leaving the Renew Europe group at the end of 2024.

Before Yoncheva and Kabilov joined, the ECR Group had 82 members from 18 countries in the European Parliament. It is the fourth-largest political group in the institution, giving it a potentially decisive role on issues where positions remain divided and reaching consensus is difficult.

According to the statement, the ECR’s common objective is to reform the European Union based on “Eurorealism”, respect for national sovereignty, and a focus on economic recovery, growth and competitiveness.

The decision for Elena Yoncheva and Taner Kabilov to join the ECR Group was announced within the group on Tuesday evening.