Morawiecki, who served as Poland’s prime minister from 2017 to 2023 under the socially conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, takes over from Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has led the group until now.

Morawiecki’s candidacy was officially put forward by Meloni, who described him as a “valuable” politician and a “loyal person.”

Following the election, Morawiecki said he was willing to work with the European People's Party (EPP), despite differences between the two groups.

He added that, while disagreements may persist, cooperation on key issues—particularly with the EPP and the Patriots for Europe group led by Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán—was possible.

“We can be in disagreement with the EPP on many issues, but if there is a chance for a coalition with the EPP and Patriots for Europe concerning matters which are significant to us, then we are ready to do this,” Morawiecki said, adding the ECR’s commitment to the “good of Europe and national countries, EU member states.”

Morawiecki, known for his vocal criticisms of the European Union, has repeatedly argued that the centralization of power in Brussels, particularly under the European Commission, hinders Europe’s potential.

He has called for the reduction of bureaucracy and the elimination of centralized EU power, saying: “This is the main obstacle for Europe to become great again.” However, Morawiecki’s PiS party has faced criticism within European political circles, particularly from sources close to the EPP leadership.

The Law and Justice Party is viewed as a “problematic” and “unconstructive” member of the ECR, with some blaming it for the fragmentation among European conservatives that has been evident since the 2019 European Parliament elections.