The European Parliament, the world’s only directly elected transnational assembly, held its tenth parliamentary election from June 6 to 9, 2024. With 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) elected to represent over 450 million people across 27 member states, this election marked a significant moment in shaping Europe’s political landscape. This election, the first post-Brexit, is notable as it follows India’s national elections as the largest democratic exercise globally.
Voting began in the Netherlands on June 6 and continued across various EU states through June 9. Most countries voted on June 9, although some, like the Czechs and Italians, had extended voting periods. In Belgium, voters participated in both European and national elections.
In most EU countries, the voting age is 18, but some, including Germany, Austria, Belgium and Malta, allow voting from 16, while Greece sets the minimum age at 17. In a few countries, such as Belgium, Greece, Luxembourg and Bulgaria, voting is compulsory.
Following the election, the European Parliament will elect the new head of the European Commission, the EU’s executive body and approve the full team of commissioners. The new European Commission and the President of the European Council are set to take office on December 1, 2024.
Election results and their implications
The 2024 European Parliament elections saw an increase in MEP seats from 705 to 720, with adjustments to seat allocations across member states. The election results are crucial as they will influence Europe’s political direction for the next five years amidst global challenges like conflicts, immigration, climate change, and economic uncertainties.
Forecasts indicated that the European People’s Party (EPP) and Social Democrats would retain their leading positions, while right-wing and far-right parties were expected to gain ground. The rise of parties such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which advocates for Germany’s exit from the EU, reflects a broader shift toward right-wing and far-right ideologies across Europe. Notably, the far-right had significant gains in France, the Netherlands, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia.
The European Parliament election results are expected to impact the political climate significantly. While traditional groups like the EPP and the S&D Social Democratic Alliance remain influential, the increasing presence of extreme right-wing parties could lead to major changes in EU politics. The EPP, led by Manfred Weber, is likely to push for Ursula von der Leyen’s reappointment as President of the European Commission, focusing on building a strong stance against extremism.
Impact on EU enlargement and Serbia
The 2024 European Parliament elections are anticipated to influence the EU’s enlargement policy. Emanuele Gioffre, Head of the EU Mission in Serbia, expects enlargement to remain a priority for the new European Parliament. Support for enlargement is strong among key political forces, suggesting that the next European Commission will prioritize accelerating the enlargement process.
However, the rise of far-right parties and the need for internal EU reforms could complicate the enlargement process. Populist and far-right parties often oppose reforms that they perceive as undermining national sovereignty. The enlargement process will likely face challenges, including internal EU reform debates and the current political situation in Serbia.
While the European Parliament traditionally supports enlargement, the current political dynamics could slow Serbia’s accession. The internal political landscape in Serbia also plays a crucial role in the pace of its EU integration. Despite a supportive stance from some EU diplomats, the overall progress may be hindered by both external political shifts and internal challenges in Serbia.
In summary, the 2024 European Parliament elections have set the stage for significant political shifts in Europe, with potential implications for Serbia’s EU accession process. The rise of right-wing and far-right parties, combined with internal EU reform debates, will shape the future of EU enlargement and Serbia’s integration into the Union.
