European Union parliamentary elections: How it works and top voter concerns

The largest democratic elections in the world have begun.

A staggering 373 million citizens across 27 European Union member-states head to cast their votes for the next European Parliament from 6th to 9th June. Voters’ choices will resonate far beyond the borders of individual nations, as they choose the 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) for the next five years.

Looming large on the agenda are the ravages of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the perennial issues of immigration and climate change. The outcome of these elections will be pivotal in shaping the bloc’s priorities and charting its political course for the next five-year term. 

Role of the European Union Parliament

As one of the key institutions of the European Union, the European Parliament wields significant power in determining the bloc’s legislative agenda and priorities for the next five years. The newly elected MEPs will not only be responsible for scrutinising and amending proposed laws, but will also play a crucial role in electing the President of the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm. Furthermore, the Parliament serves as a vital check on the Commission, providing oversight and accountability to ensure transparency and responsible governance. European political parties and alliances, formed on shared ideological beliefs transcending national boundaries, play a crucial role in determining the balance of power within the parliament. 

Voter Concerns:

Israel-Palestine

The crisis in Israel-occupied Palestinian territories and Gaza Strip looms large in voters’ minds. As the crisis in Gaza deepens, the European Union’s humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts will be thrust into the spotlight, underscoring the need for a coherent and well-resourced strategy to alleviate the plight of Palestinian civilians.

While successive EU administrations have voiced support for a two-state solution, achieving substantive progress has proven elusive amid the intractable complexities of this protracted conflict. For the newly elected MEPs, upholding the European Union’s long-standing commitment to Palestinian statehood and condemning Israeli settlement activity, whilst diplomatically engaging with Israeli leadership, will be paramount to maintain credibility and avoid accusations of double standards.

Ukraine

While the European Union has firmly supported Ukraine against Russian aggression thus far, a surge in populist and far-right influence could potentially destabilise this consensus. Nationalist parties like France’s National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, have historically opposed sanctions on Russia and advocated for closer ties with Moscow. Should they make substantial gains, immense pressure could mount on centrist lawmakers to soften their approach, jeopardising Europe’s unwavering backing of Kyiv.

Moreover, a rightward shift may upend the EU’s traditionally liberal foreign policy outlook, characterised by a commitment to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Far-right parties often prioritise nationalist interests over multilateral cooperation, which could strain the EU’s ability to coordinate a unified response. Some have even expressed scepticism about the European Union itself, advocating for its weakening or dismantling, which could undermine the bloc’s ability to act cohesively in supporting Ukraine. However, the EU’s united front so far, with even some Russia-friendly leaders endorsing tough measures, suggests geopolitical realities may override ideological leanings, at least temporarily.

Immigration and Climate Change

Immigration remains a sensitive topic as some nations bear a disproportionate burden while others resist sharing the responsibility. Climate change policies too remain a crucial battleground, underscoring the tensions over the costs and urgency of both humanitarian and environmental action. While it is widely acknowledged that carbon emissions must be curbed and the transition to green energy must be accelerated, there are deep divisions over the economic toll and societal disruptions these measures might entail. Countries heavily reliant on fossil fuel industries are wary of the potential job losses and revenue hits, even as others advocate for ambitious decarbonisation targets to stave off catastrophic warming.

Rising Inflation

Amidst soaring inflation and a relentless rise in the cost of living, voters are eager for decisive action to alleviate the financial strain on households. With unemployment rates stubbornly high in certain regions, the call for robust job creation and economic revitalisation resonates loudly. Central to the debate is the delicate balance between prudent fiscal policies and the preservation of cherished social welfare programs that underpin the European Union’s social model. Reconciling these competing priorities will be a formidable task for the next cohort of MEPs as they strive to steer the bloc towards sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity.

Potential Far-Right Ascendancy

Rising far-right and populist forces are poised to make significant gains. Long considered a bedrock of stability, the traditional centrist coalition comprised of the European People’s Party (EPP) and the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) could see their influence wane, paving the way for a potential reshuffling of the EU’s power dynamics. At the vanguard of this potential upheaval stands Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party, which opinion polls project could emerge victorious in France’s 2027 presidential election – a seismic shift that would elevate Le Pen to a pivotal role on the European stage.

While an outright coalition between the centre-right EPP and Le Pen’s far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) group remains unlikely, the genuine prospect of France’s political landscape lurching rightward could exert substantial pressure on the EPP to align more closely with populist factions on contentious issues like immigration and climate change policy.

As the battle lines are drawn and ballots are cast, the future trajectory of the European Union hinges precariously. With major humanitarian issues at stake, the composition of the new Parliament will undoubtedly shape the EU’s priorities in the years to come.