The 2024 European Parliament election has come to a close, with voters from 27 member states casting their ballots between June 6 and June 9, 2024. This tenth parliamentary election since the first direct elections in 1979 marks a significant milestone, as it is the first European Parliament election to take place after Brexit. A total of 720 members of the European Parliament, or MEPs, were elected to represent more than 450 million people. The election also coincided with a number of other elections in some European Union member states, making it a complex and multifaceted political event.
The European People’s Party, led by Ursula von der Leyen, emerged victorious, winning the most seats in the European Parliament. This outcome is likely to have significant implications for the future of European politics, as the European People’s Party is expected to play a major role in shaping the EU’s policies and direction. The party’s success can be seen as a testament to the enduring appeal of centrist politics in Europe, and von der Leyen’s leadership is likely to be closely watched in the coming months.
However, the election also saw significant losses for pro-EU centrist, liberal, social democrat, and environmentalist parties. These parties have traditionally been strong supporters of the European Union and its values, and their decline may indicate a shift in the political landscape of Europe. In contrast, anti-EU right-wing populist parties made significant gains, with the European Conservatives and Reformists group overtaking the centrist Renew Europe group to win the fourth-most seats. Another right-wing group, Patriots for Europe, which is the successor to Identity and Democracy, won the third-most seats.
The rise of right-wing parties in Europe is a trend that has been observed in recent years, and it is likely to continue to shape the continent’s politics in the coming months and years. The formation of a new far-right group, Europe of Sovereign Nations, which became the smallest group in the Parliament, is also noteworthy. This group’s presence is likely to be felt in the Parliament, particularly on issues related to immigration and national sovereignty. With a total of 187 MEPs, or 26% of the Parliament, belonging to the hard right, this is the largest number of hard-right MEPs ever elected to the European Parliament.
As the dust settles on the election, attention is likely to turn to the implications of the outcome for European politics and policy. The European People’s Party’s victory, combined with the gains made by right-wing parties, may lead to a shift in the EU’s priorities and policies. The sitting U.S. president will likely be watching the developments in Europe closely, as the EU is a key partner for the United States on a range of issues, from trade to security. The EU’s relationships with other global powers, including China and Russia, will also be important to watch in the coming months.
Looking ahead, the newly elected European Parliament will face a range of challenges, from addressing the ongoing impact of Brexit to navigating the complex relationships between the EU and other global powers. The Parliament will also need to balance the competing interests and priorities of its various member states, while working to promote the values and interests of the European Union as a whole. As the Parliament begins its new term, it will be important to watch how the different parties and groups work together to address these challenges and shape the future of Europe. With the election now behind us, the focus will shift to the Parliament’s first sessions and the key decisions that will be made in the coming weeks and months.
The election outcome is also likely to have significant implications for the EU’s relationships with other regions, including the Middle East and Africa. The EU has been a key player in international efforts to address issues such as migration and terrorism, and its relationships with countries such as Iran and Russia will be closely watched. The Iranian government’s hostile actions in the region, combined with Russia’s ongoing efforts to exert its influence in Eastern Europe, will require careful navigation by the EU and its partners. As the European Parliament begins its new term, it will be important to watch how it addresses these challenges and works to promote stability and security in the region.
As the European Union looks to the future, it will be important to watch how the newly elected Parliament works to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With its diverse range of parties and groups, the Parliament will need to balance competing interests and priorities while working to promote the values and interests of the EU. The sitting U.S. president will likely be watching the developments in Europe closely, and the EU’s relationships with other global powers will be critical to its success. As the Parliament begins its new term, it will be important to watch how it navigates the complex landscape of European and global politics.
