2024 European Parliament election
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| 2024 European Parliament election | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Election name | 2024 European Parliament election |
| Type | parliamentary |
| Previous election | 2019 European Parliament election |
| Previous year | 2019 |
| Next election | 2029 European Parliament election |
| Next year | 2029 |
| Seats for election | All 720 seats in the European Parliament |
| Majority seats | 361 |
| Election date | 6–9 June 2024 |
| Turnout | 51.0% |
2024 European Parliament election. The 2024 European Parliament election was held from 6 to 9 June across the European Union member states to elect members of the European Parliament for the 2024–2029 term. Marked by significant political shifts, the election saw a surge in support for right-wing and nationalist parties, altering the traditional balance of power within the European Parliament. The results triggered a complex process of coalition-building among the main political groups, influencing the subsequent election of the President of the European Commission and the broader legislative agenda of the European Union.
Background and context
The election took place in a geopolitical climate shaped by the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, which heightened debates over European Union defense policy and energy security. Domestically, many member states grappled with high inflation and cost-of-living crises, influencing voter sentiment. The political landscape was also defined by the legacy of the Von der Leyen Commission and its flagship policies like the European Green Deal. Key events leading to the vote included the conclusion of the Conference on the Future of Europe and rising public discourse on migration, which became a central campaign issue in nations such as Italy, France, and Germany.
Electoral system and procedure
Elections were conducted under a common framework established by the Treaty on European Union, with specific rules determined by each member state. All 27 countries used forms of proportional representation, with most, including Germany and Spain, employing party-list systems. Notable variations included Ireland and Malta using the single transferable vote, while Belgium and Luxembourg enforced compulsory voting. The allocation of the 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) was based on the principle of degressive proportionality, as outlined in the Treaty of Lisbon, giving larger states like France more seats than smaller ones like Cyprus, but with a weighting that favors smaller nations.
Political parties and campaigns
The campaign was characterized by a fragmented political space, with pan-European alliances like the European People's Party (EPP) and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) facing strong challenges from the right. Key actors included Ursula von der Leyen campaigning for a second term from the European People's Party, and Marine Le Pen's National Rally leading the Identity and Democracy group. Newer movements, such as Alternative for Germany and the Brothers of Italy under Giorgia Meloni, ran on platforms critical of further European integration. Major themes across campaigns involved climate change policy, agricultural reforms, and the future of Schengen Area border controls.
Results and seat allocation
The final results confirmed a significant shift to the right, with the European People's Party remaining the largest group but losing its traditional majority coalition with the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats. The Identity and Democracy group and the European Conservatives and Reformists group, bolstered by strong performances from National Rally and Brothers of Italy, gained substantial seats. The Greens–European Free Alliance suffered notable losses, particularly in Germany and France. Key national victories included the Labour Party's win in the United Kingdom and the Civic Democratic Party's strong showing in the Czech Republic. Voter turnout saw a slight increase compared to 2019, reaching 51.0% across the European Union.
Analysis and political impact
Analysts interpreted the outcome as a fragmentation of the pro-European center, necessitating broader and more unstable coalitions to pass legislation. The immediate consequence was the complex negotiation to secure a majority for Ursula von der Leyen's re-election as President of the European Commission, requiring support from parts of the European Conservatives and Reformists. The strengthened right-wing bloc is expected to exert pressure on policies related to European Union enlargement, migration pacts like the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, and the implementation pace of the European Green Deal. The election also influenced national politics, weakening governing coalitions in Germany and bolstering the position of Giorgia Meloni within the European Council.
Category:2024 elections in Europe Category:European Parliament elections