EU Elections Kick Off Amid Fear of Far-Right Surge
Voters across 20 European Union nations are heading to the polls to choose the EU’s next parliament. But there’s a cloud hanging over the vote: a big swing to the right could throw a massive spanner in the works for Brussels, just as the bloc wrestles with the war in 123, Germany, Poland, and Spain all opening polls. Italy is even holding a second day of voting to pick out the 720 MEPs who will shape the EU’s future.
Seats in the European Parliament are doled out by population size. Tiny Malta and Luxembourg get a mere six seats each, while Germany, the EU’s most populous member, commands a hefty 96 seats.
Key Battles: Russia, China, Climate & Immigration
This election isn’t just a numbers game — it will mould how the EU confronts some of its biggest challenges. Russia’s hostility, rivalry with industrial giants China and the US, the ever-pressing climate crisis, and the hot-button issue of immigration all hang in the balance.
Early exit polls in the Netherlands hint that populist firebrand Geert Wilders and his anti-migrant party may make solid gains. Still, a coalition of pro-Europeans looks set to hold them at bay.
Populists on the Rise – But What’s Next?
Since 2019, far-right and populist parties have stormed the EU political arena. They currently lead governments in Hungary, Slovakia, and Italy, and hold key seats in Sweden, Finland, and likely soon, the Netherlands. France, Belgium, Austria, and Italy are also feeling their growing influence.
Uncertain Times for the EU
The bloc’s 450 million-strong population casts these votes amid economic upheaval, energy crises, and the ongoing coronavirus fallout. On top of this lurks the gravity of the Ukraine conflict – Europe’s gravest since WWII.
The election outcome will trigger intense jockeying for power, not just in parliament but at the top echelons of the EU machine. Positions like the European Commission president, European Council president, and EU foreign policy chief are all up for grabs – roles that shape everything from laws and budgets to diplomacy and trade.
What’s at Stake for Europe and Beyond?
MEPs set laws on finance, climate, agriculture, and more. They also decide how billions are spent, including support for Ukraine — a clear sign of where the EU stands politically.
As votes are counted, the EU’s future hangs by a thread. Will it hold together or fracture under new political pressures? The world is watching.
