European Parliament Elections: A Turning Point For Global Policies

The European Parliament elections have begun, starting with the Netherlands and continuing until June 9. This is one of the largest democratic events globally, with nearly 400 million citizens across 27 countries expected to vote. The stakes are high due to concerns over war in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as the state of the European economy and job market. There is a growing sentiment of right-wing populism and insecurity among voters, which could impact who is allowed entry into Europe.

The European Parliament election occurs every five years and has a significant impact on the world stage. One of the key questions surrounding these elections is whether Ursula von der Leyen will continue as European Commission President or be replaced.

The EU's 27 member states are casting their votes for the bloc's European Parliament from June 6 to 9. The results are expected on the evening of June 9 after voting is completed in all member states. Initially an advisory body, the European Parliament now drafts laws in partnership with EU member states' governments, shaping policies that impact the rest of the world. The EU Parliamentary election works by allowing citizens to elect their representative in a single vote on a ballot paper to the EU Parliament.

The representation strength is based on each EU nation's population. The number of MEPs varies, with countries like Malta, Luxembourg, and Cyprus having the least at six, while Germany elects 96 members. In 2019, there were a total of 751 MEPs representing the public from across member states. Due to the United Kingdom's exit from the Union, this number decreased to 705 in 2020. Voters over the age of 18 are eligible to vote in EU Parliament elections, although some nations, such as Belgium, Austria, Germany, and Malta, allow citizens as young as 16 to participate. Greece permits voting at a minimum age of 17. However, most EU member states require voters to be at least 18 years old.

The minimum age to contest an election ranges from 18 in most countries to 25 in Greece and Italy. EU elections generally do not attract a large number of voters, although there was increased participation in 2019 with a turnout of 50.7%. The highest recorded turnout was in 1979, with 62% of voters casting their ballot.

A Eurobarometer survey conducted by the EU Parliament in April suggested heightened interest in these elections, with 71% expressing interest. Top concerns at the European Parliament level include Europe's defense and security, the economy, employment, poverty, social exclusion, public health, climate change, and the future of the EU. The European Parliament has significant powers, including decision-making on issues such as climate change, bank regulations, agricultural policies, fisheries, security, justice-related areas, and the EU budget.

The largest political entity in the European Parliament is the Christian Democrats' European People's Party (EPP), followed by the Social Democrats of S&D. Other groups include the Liberal and Pro-European Renew Europe group and the Greens and regional parties.

Right-wing groupings such as the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and Identity and Democracy (ID) are expected to form significant groupings within the parliament. Once all votes are counted, parliament members will come together to select the body's President. They will also nominate the head of the executive branch, the European Council President. Ursula von der Leyen is expected to continue as European Commission President but will require the backing of a large coalition of parliament members.