Since the European People's Party and Party of European Socialists began co-operating in the 1980s, they have had a tradition of splitting the two posts between them.
Alates sellest kui Euroopa Rahvapartei (EPP) ja Euroopa Sotsialistlik Partei (ESP) hakkasid 1980. aastatel koostööd tegema, on traditsiooniliselt jaotunud presidendi ametikohad nende kahe partei liikmete vahel.