As the final day of voting in the European Union elections approaches, millions of citizens across 27 member countries are expected to participate. Voting began with Estonia taking the lead, followed by other countries opening their polling stations. With over 400 million eligible voters, the election will determine the 720 members of the European Parliament (MEPs). It is worth noting that some countries allow voting at a younger age, such as 16 in Austria, Belgium, Germany, and Malta, and 17 in Greece. The turnout for the last EU election in 2019 was just above 50%, as reported by official data.
The current election takes place amidst a rise in support for far-right parties across Europe. Dutch nationalist Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration party made significant gains in the Netherlands’ recent EU election, securing seven seats. This success follows Wilders’ victory in the Dutch national elections last November. As far-right parties gain momentum, it raises questions about the future political landscape of the European Union.
With voting already closed in some countries like the Czech Republic, Malta, Latvia, Slovakia, and Ireland, EU-wide exit polls are awaited to provide insights into the parliament’s future makeup. The European Parliament consists of 720 MEPs from all 27 EU countries. While the most populous countries like Germany have 96 MEPs, smaller nations like Cyprus, Luxembourg, and Malta have six representatives each. MEPs play a crucial role in creating and deciding on laws that impact social, economic, climate, defense, and other issues across member states.
Expected Shifts in EU Policies
Analysts anticipate a shift towards more protectionist policies following the election, with a greater emphasis on defense. Climate and environmental policies may take a backseat as priorities realign within the bloc. The European Parliament also influences the EU budget, elects the president of the European Commission, and monitors the implementation of laws and regulations, such as the Digital Services Act aimed at regulating online content.
The outcome of the European Union elections will have far-reaching implications for the future of the bloc. The rise of far-right parties, changes in the composition of the European Parliament, and shifts in policies are all factors that will shape the direction of the EU in the coming years. As citizens exercise their right to vote, they are not just electing representatives but also influencing the course of European politics.
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