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One potential solution comes from the music licensing company ClicknClear, founded by Chantal Epp, a former World Champion cheer athlete with an extensive background in music licensing.

Some French MEPs belonging to Ms von der Leyen’s own EPP grouping have also said they won't support her.

For anyone to the right of the EPP, breaking up its coalition with the socialists, pro-business liberals and the greens should be the main issue at stake.

And with the pro-business liberals and greens set for losses, the EPP’s von der Leyen wants to keep her options open for coalition building, including Meloni, over the vociferous objections of her outgoing allies.

“She’s been talking to EPP, but she’s also talking to more extreme right groups, Mrs. Le Pen and others. And, of course, depending on how the votes turn out, she might have a big card up her sleeve.”