- The legislative and policy direction of the EU for the ensuing five years is determined by these elections, which also serve as a gauge of political sentiment throughout the continent.
- There was a noticeable trend in the elections toward nationalist and right-leaning parties, with gains by the EPP, I&D, and ECR organizations indicative of a wider nationalist and conservative feeling trend in Europe.
- The 2024 European Parliament elections highlighted a significant shift towards right-leaning and nationalist parties, with the EPP emerging as the dominant force.
An important event in the political landscape of the European Union (EU) is the European Parliament elections held once every five years. To choose 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), more than 400 million voters from 27 member states cast ballots this year. The legislative and policy direction of the EU for the ensuing five years is determined by these elections, which also serve as a gauge of political sentiment throughout the continent.
How European Elections Work
The only directly elected transnational parliament in the world, the European Parliament, is populated by representatives chosen by EU voters in elections held throughout the EU. At the European level, MEPs represent the interests of EU people and have a say in budgetary decisions, policy directions, and legislation. Because of the proportional representation method used in the elections, each party’s allotment of seats is determined by the total number of votes it receives.
Outcomes and Principal Political Parties
1. the European People’s Party (EPP) – 189 seats
With 13 more seats than the previous time, the EPP was the largest group. The CDU/CSU in Germany, the PP in Spain, and the Civic Coalition in Poland make up the EPP. Their successful integration of right-leaning measures to hold onto voters strengthened their position of dominance in the European Parliament.
2. the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D)-135 seats
Despite losing four seats, the S&D group remained the second-largest group. The PSOE in Spain, the Democratic Party in Italy, and the Socialist Party in France are some of the major parties in this group. The group continues to be a significant force, advocating for social justice and progressive policies.
3. Renew Europe – 83 Seats
Renew Europe, known for its pro-European and liberal stance, experienced a significant loss, dropping 19 seats. The group includes France’s Renaissance, Czechia’s ANO, and Slovakia’s Progressive Slovakia. Despite the losses, they remain a central player in EU politics.
4. European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) – 72 Seats
The ECR group, promoting conservative and soft Eurosceptic policies, saw a modest gain of three seats. Key members include Italy’s Brothers of Italy, Poland’s Law and Justice, and Spain’s Vox. Their performance cements their role as a substantial conservative force.
5. Identity and Democracy (I&D) – 58 Seats
Nine seats were added to the I&D group, which is well-known for its nationalist and eurosceptic views. Important parties are the Lega in Italy, the Dutch PVV, and the National Rally in France. Their performance demonstrates how nationalist attitudes are becoming more and more prevalent in EU politics.
6. The Greens – 53 Seats
The biggest loss was suffered by the Greens, who lost 18 seats. Important parties are the Dutch GroenLinks, the French Ecologists, and Germany’s Bündnis 90/Die Grünen. They still advocate for social justice and environmental sustainability despite the defeats.
7. The Left – 35 Seats
Two seats were lost by the Left group, which is a representation of several left-wing parties in Europe. Germany’s Die Linke, Greece’s Syriza, and France’s La France Insoumise are notable members. They continue to be an important advocate for socialist and progressive agendas.
Notable Developments and Trends
Right-Wing Gains
There was a noticeable trend in the elections toward nationalist and right-leaning parties. Gains by the EPP, I&D, and ECR organizations are indicative of a wider nationalist and conservative feeling trend in Europe. The remarkable success of Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in France led to notable political consequences, such as the dissolution of the French National Assembly.
Centrist and Left-Wing Setbacks
Some left- and centrist groups suffered severe losses, like the Greens and Renew Europe, while the S&D group managed to hold stable. This change portends a difficult environment for liberal and progressive measures in the upcoming administration.
Potential Political Shifts
There are speculations about potential re-alignments within the European Parliament. The balance of power could be drastically changed by the possibility of new political groups emerging or existing ones merging, such as a possible ECR-I&D supergroup. Furthermore, the 95 non-aligned MEPs—among them the AfD of Germany and Fidesz of Hungary—adding to the parliamentary dynamics creates an element of unpredictability.
Conclusion
The 2024 European Parliament elections highlighted a significant shift towards right-leaning and nationalist parties, with the EPP emerging as the dominant force. Left- and centrist organizations like Renew Europe and S&D continue to be vital despite their losses. The political environment is changing, and there may be realignments. This means that the next five years will likely be lively and potentially confrontational as various parties compete to shape the direction of the European Union.
Aayush Pal