2019 European Parliament election
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| 2019 European Parliament election | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Election name | 2019 European Parliament election |
| Type | parliamentary |
| Previous election | 2014 European Parliament election |
| Previous year | 2014 |
| Next election | 2024 European Parliament election |
| Next year | 2024 |
| Seats for election | All 751 seats in the European Parliament |
| Majority seats | 376 |
| Election date | 23–26 May 2019 |
| Turnout | 50.66% ( 8.06 pp) |
2019 European Parliament election. Held from 23 to 26 May 2019, this transnational democratic exercise elected members to the European Parliament from across the European Union. The vote occurred in the shadow of significant political shifts, including the ongoing Brexit process and rising debates over climate change, migration, and the future of European integration. It resulted in a fragmented legislature where traditional centrist blocs lost their combined majority, empowering both Greens and nationalist parties.
Background and context
The election took place amidst a period of profound political realignment within the European Union. The United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum cast a long shadow, with the United Kingdom participating under an extended Article 50 deadline. Concurrently, issues like the European migrant crisis, debates over the rule of law in member states such as Poland and Hungary, and growing public concern over climate policy, exemplified by movements like Fridays for Future, dominated the political discourse. The Spitzenkandidat process, intended to link the election of the President of the European Commission to the parliamentary results, was a contested feature of the campaign, championed by figures like Manfred Weber but ultimately undermined by the European Council.
Electoral system and procedure
The election was conducted under a variety of national electoral laws, as the Treaty on European Union grants each member state autonomy in determining its specific voting procedures, within certain common democratic principles. Most countries, including Germany and France, used forms of proportional representation, with thresholds typically around 5%. Voting occurred over four days, a tradition reflecting different national customs, with the Netherlands and the United Kingdom voting on 23 May, and major nations like Italy voting on 26 May. The allocation of the 751 seats, a number adjusted downward from 751 following the expected departure of the UK, was based on the principle of degressive proportionality, favoring smaller states like Malta and Luxembourg.
Political groups and campaigns
The campaign was characterized by competition between the established pan-European political groups and newer, more disruptive forces. The center-right European People's Party, led by Manfred Weber, and the center-left Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, featuring candidates like Frans Timmermans, defended the project of European integration. They faced significant challenges from the liberal Renew Europe group, energized by the entrance of Emmanuel Macron's La République En Marche!, and the surging Greens–European Free Alliance, which capitalized on climate activism. Simultaneously, eurosceptic and nationalist forces, including Marine Le Pen's National Rally in France and Matteo Salvini's League in Italy, coordinated under banners like the Identity and Democracy group to campaign against further EU centralization.
Results and seat allocation
The final results confirmed a historic decline for the traditional grand coalition of the European People's Party and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, which together lost their combined majority for the first time. The EPP remained the largest group but suffered losses, particularly in Germany where the CDU/CSU saw a drop in support. The S&D also lost seats, notably in the United Kingdom and Italy. Major gains were recorded by the Greens–European Free Alliance, which performed strongly in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, and the liberal Renew Europe group. Eurosceptic parties, including the Identity and Democracy group and the European Conservatives and Reformists, increased their collective share but fell short of a disruptive bloc.
Analysis and aftermath
Analysts interpreted the outcome as a sign of a more fragmented and politicized European Parliament, where building majorities would require complex negotiations across four or five groups. The weakened Spitzenkandidat process led to a protracted leadership battle, ultimately resulting in the election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission after negotiations in the European Council. The strengthened Greens–European Free Alliance and Renew Europe groups exerted considerable influence, pushing the European Commission's agenda, notably the European Green Deal, toward more ambitious climate targets. The election also solidified the presence of a potent eurosceptic flank, setting the stage for continued institutional conflict over issues like the rule of law and the EU budget.
Category:European Parliament elections Category:2019 elections in Europe Category:May 2019 events