At a glance: Parliament will publish the first Eurobarometer survey since the elections; a workshop on food price inflation; and the Committee on Culture and Education will hear a presentation about the House of European History Museum.

News in Brief – 02/10/2024 - English

At a glance: Ursula von der Leyen presents the Commissioners-designate; the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; and the outcome of Venezuela’s presidential election.

News in Brief – 18/09/2024 - English

Electrification is gaining momentum across many sectors, including transport, buildings and industry, driven by the EU's climate ambition and security of supply. As the cost of renewable energy technologies like solar and wind continues to fall, electrification presents an opportunity to reshape the European economy, enhancing competitiveness and promoting sustainable growth.

EPRS Science and Technology podcast - What if electrification transformed the EU economy?

Once they are elected, MEPs can take on various roles. They can serve as the President or as Vice-President of the European Parliament, join committees, or even become an observer, which, despite being a less discussed position, is still an equally important role within Parliament.
In this episode, we will take a closer look at what it means to be an observer in order to better understand who can become one, what their duties are and how they operate.

Jargon Jungle: the role of Observers

Have you ever heard of the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament?
From their job title, it’s clear that they play a crucial role in Parliament and must be important political figures. 
But do you know what the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament really do, who they are and how they are elected?

Jargon Jungle: the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament

Out of the jargon jungle. The role of the European Parliament President?

The role of the European Parliament President?

After electing the President and the 14 Vice-Presidents, the European Parliament elects the Quaestors. But what exactly is their role?

Out of the jargon jungle: what is a Quaestor?

At a glance: the constitutive meetings of the European Parliament’s standing committees and subcommittees will take place in Brussels on Tuesday; new EU rules for the development of the trans-European transport network; and the anniversary of the election of the first female president of any EU institution.

News in Brief – 22/07/2024 - English

The European Parliament is more than just its MEPs. Every day, thousands of people work behind the scenes at this large institution and strive to make the European Union more accessible, effective and transparent for people across the EU. And with so many people working together, it can be difficult to keep everything running smoothly. That’s why administrative bodies like Parliament’s Bureau are essential.

Jargon jungle. The role of the Bureau

At a glance: the 10th legislative term of the European Parliament has begun; Roberta Metsola has been re-elected as Parliament President; MEPs also elected 14 Vice-Presidents and 5 Quaestors; in Strasbourg, MEPs discussed the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

News in Brief – 18/07/2024 - English

At a glance: Roberta Metsola has been re-elected as Parliament President; MEPs will vote on their position on support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression; Parliament to vote on Ursula von der Leyen’s nomination for a second term as Commission President.

News in Brief – 17/07/2024 - English

At a glance: the EU institutions react to the shooting that took place during former US president Donald Trump’s campaign rally; the newly elected European Parliament will vote on the composition of its committees and delegations during the plenary session in Strasbourg; MEPs will also vote on a position on Russia’s war of aggression, and are expected to reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine.

News in Brief – 16/07/2024 - English

At a glance: in Strasbourg, the European Parliament will elect its new President; MEPs will form committees, sub-committees and delegations; the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement.

News in Brief – 15/07/2024 - English

At a glance: the newly elected European Parliament will meet from 16 to 19 July in Strasbourg; the EU is working to reduce plastic waste; and the anniversary of the European Customs Union.

News in Brief – 05/07/2024 - English

On Its first and constituent plenary sitting of the new parliamentary term (16-19 July 2024), the European Parliament will elect its 32nd President, to hold office for the first half of the 10th parliamentary term, until January 2026. The President has an important and increasingly visible function in the EU institutional and international setting, mirroring Parliament's influential role as shaper of EU policies and as co-legislator.

EPRS policy podcast - How is the European Parliament's President elected?

With the European Elections now behind us, the process to kick-start the formation of the new European Parliament has begun. And a lot needs to happen between now and the official start of the new legislature on the 16th of July, in Strasbourg. So, if you’re a new Member of the European Parliament, and you’re listening to us, welcome to the European Parliament! Here’s what to expect next...

EPRS policy podcast - New European Parliament: First key tasks

MEPs elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) on January 2022 as President of the European Parliament until 2024.

Roberta Metsola won the election in the first voting round, where she received an absolute majority of 458 votes out of 690 cast in the remote secret vote, among three candidates.&nbsp;

President Metsola is leading the Parliament in the second half of the current legislative term, until a new Parliament is constituted following the 2024 European Elections.

Born in Malta in 1979,&nbsp; Roberta Metsola who has been an MEP since 2013, is the youngest EP President ever elected. She became First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022.

She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after Simone Veil (1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999- 2002).

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2022-2024

In July 2024&nbsp; MEPs re-elected Roberta Metsola (EPP, MT) as President of the European Parliament until 2027, with 562 votes in the first round. Roberta Metsola won the election in the first round of voting, where she received an absolute majority of 562 votes cast out of 699 by secret paper ballot, among two candidates. She will continue to lead Parliament for the first two and a half years of the 10th legislative term.

Born in Malta in 1979, Roberta Metsola has been an MEP since 2013.&nbsp;She was elected First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President Sassoli passed away on 11 January 2022. On 18 January 2022,&nbsp;she was elected President&nbsp;for the second half of the 9th legislative term. She is the third female President of the European Parliament, after&nbsp;Simone Veil&nbsp;(1979-1982) and Nicole Fontaine (1999-2002).

Addressing the House after she was elected, President Metsola said: “Together, we must stand up for the politics of hope, for the dream that is Europe. I want people to recapture a sense of belief and enthusiasm for our project. A belief to make our shared space safer, fairer, more just and more equal. A belief that together we are stronger and we are better. A belief that ours is a Europe for all.”

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament 2024-2027

Since October 2020, the EU has&nbsp;progressively imposed restrictive measures&nbsp;against Belarus in response to the fraudulent nature&nbsp; presidential elections in&nbsp;2020, and the&nbsp;intimidation and violent repression&nbsp;of peaceful protesters, opposition members and journalists.&nbsp;

The democratic opposition, including the opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, was awarded the&nbsp;2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

The Belarusian regime has became an ally&nbsp;with Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine. This includes the so-called referendum reinstating the country’s nuclear status, but also that Belarus has allowed Russian troops and weapons to move through its territory, use its airspace, refuel and store military ammunition.

Therefore, the EU has extended the sanctios package against Russia to Belarus. The EP has recently called that "all EU sanctions issued against Russia must be strictly mirrored for Belarus and implemented appropriately".

EU - Belarus

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on 10 July 2019, following the appointment of their members in the plenary sitting of 3-4 July. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate. The newly set up committees will then start holding their regular meetings during the week of 22 July.

AGRI - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Austria has been an EU Member since 1st January 1995. Austria is a federal parliamentary republic with a head of government - the chancellor - and a head of state - the president.

Austria ihas also been a member of the Euro area since 1 January 1999 and a member of Schengen since December 1997.

There are 19 members of the European Parliament from Austria. The country held the EU Presidency in 1998, 2006 and 2018.

Austria consists of 9 states (Bundesländer). Both regional and federal governments exercise executive power. The federal Parliament consists of 2 chambers: the Lower House (Nationalrat) - directly elected - and the Upper House (Bundesrat) - elected by regional parliaments.

EU - Austria

REGI - Committee on Regional Development

The European Parliament released in October 2024 the “EU Post-Electoral Survey 2024” looking at voting behaviour and the main priorities of EU citizens. Rising prices and the cost of living (42%) and the economic situation (41%) were the main topics that motivated European citizens to vote in the last European elections in June this year. A third of voters (34%) say that the international situation was a topic that encouraged them to vote, while a similar proportion mentions defending democracy and the rule of law (32%).

Those who did not vote also say the cost of living (46%) and the economic situation (36%) could have motivated them to participate in the elections.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, commenting on the results of the survey, says: “Last June, people across Europe made their voice count as we saw the highest turnout in the European Parliament elections in 30 years. They gave us a mandate to act, to provide answers and solutions and to make a positive difference in their daily lives. We will deliver. Over the coming weeks, the European Parliament is scrutinising the new European Commission to ensure it will address the issues that are a priority for people: the cost of living, the state of our economy, democracy, rule of law, migration and security. The European Parliament will continue to work to make people’s voice count in the EU.”

Eurobarometer

Under current procedures, together with the (newly) elected Commission President, the Council appoints the Commissioners-designate. Each Commissioner-designate is assigned responsibility for a specific policy area by the Commission President. The relevant EP committees assess each of the Commissioners-designate, before a plenary vote on the appointment of the College as a whole.

Confirmation hearings in the relevant committee or committees

The Commissioner-designate is invited to a three-hour confirmation hearing, streamed live, in front of the EP committees responsible for their portfolio.&nbsp;

Conclusion of the confirmation hearing process

The Conference of Presidents declares the confirmation hearings closed after having analysed the evaluation letters from the Committees in charge and the recommendation of the Conference of Committee Chairs (CCC). Only at this point can the evaluation letters be published and comments on the evaluation be made.

Plenary vote of investiture

The Commission President takes the results of the confirmation hearings, as well as consultations with Parliament's political groups, into account. They then presents their team and political priorities during a plenary session. After a debate, MEPs will decide, by a majority of votes cast, whether to invest the new College of Commissioners for a mandate of five years.

Election of the 2024-2029 Commission

The Conference of Presidents (EP President and leaders of political groups) agreed on the calendar for the hearings of the Commissioners-designate. The hearings will start on 4 November and take place until 12 November. The Conference of Presidents also decided on the division of responsibilities among committees for the confirmation hearings.&nbsp;

The European Parliament invites Commissioners-designate to appear before the appropriate committees for hearings in order to scrutinise if they are suitable for the posts they have been assigned to.&nbsp; Ahead of the hearings, Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs scrutinises the declarations of interests of the Commissioners-designate. In order for a Commissioner-designate to take part in a hearing, there must be no conflicts of interest.

The hearings will be followed by meetings in which the committee chair and group representatives (coordinators) of the various committees will assess whether a Commissioner-designate is qualified both to be a member of the College and to carry out the particular duties they have been assigned.

Once all hearings are completed, the Conference of Committee Chairs will assess the outcome of the confirmation hearings and forward its conclusions to the Conference of Presidents. The latter will conduct the final evaluation and decide whether to close the hearings. After the hearings have been concluded, Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen will present the full College of Commissioners and its programme in plenary.

Confirmation hearings

Every five years, EU citizens choose who represents them in the European Parliament, the directly-elected institution that defends their interests in the EU decision-making process.

The European elections took place from 6th to 9th of June 2024.

The elections take place every five years and are the largest transnational elections in the world. By voting in the European elections, people living in the EU get to choose the 720&nbsp;members that will represent them in the European Parliament until 2029.

Following the elections, Parliament votes to elect the new head of the European Commission, which is the EU’s executive body, and to approve the full team of commissioners.

European elections 2024

INTA - Committee on International Trade

On Wednesday 10 July, the Committe on Development (DEVE) met for the first time in its new composition and elected as its Chair Swedish MEP Tomas TOBÉ (EPP). The Committee also elected four Vice Chairs: Pierrette HERZBERGER-FOFANA (Greens/EFA), Norbert NEUSER (S&amp;D), Chrysoula ZACHAROPOULOU (Renew Europe), Erik MARQUARDT (Greens/EFA). The next meeting of the Committee will take place in the morning of 24 July and is set to discuss the state of play of development cooperation, the 2020 budget and the future partnership with ACP countries. The Finish EU Council Presidency will set out its priorities, in particular in humanitarian aid.

DEVE - Committee on Development

David McAllister (EPP, DE) will continue as the Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee for the coming two and a half years. He was re-elected by acclamation on Wednesday, 10 July. During its constituent meeting, the Committee also elected Witold Waszczykowski (ECR, PL) as the Committee’s First Vice-Chair. The remaining three Vice-Chairs will be elected at a future meeting. Together, the Chair and Vice-Chairs will form the Bureau of the Committee.

AFET - Committee on Foreign Affairs

Marie Arena will serve as Chair of Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) for the coming two and a half years. She was elected by acclamation by Subcommittee members on Wednesday. “I would like to express my thanks to all of you for your trust in electing me as Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights”, Ms Arena said after the vote.

MEPs also elected the four Vice-Chairs that will form, together with Marie Arena, the Subcommittee's bureau:

Ms <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/197625/IRINA_VON+WIESE/home" target="_blank">Irina Von Wiese</a> (Renew Europe, UK) will be first Vice-Chair,

Ms <a href="http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/197464/HANNAH_NEUMANN/home" target="_blank">Hannah Neumann</a> (Greens/EFA, DE) will be second Vice-Chair,

Ms <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/197643/KAROLINE_EDTSTADLER/home" target="_blank">Karoline Edtstadler</a> (EPP, AT) will be third Vice-Chair, and

Mr <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/197694/RAPHAEL_GLUCKSMANN/home" target="_blank">Raphaël Glucksmann</a> (S&amp;D, FR) will be fourth Vice-Chair.

DROI Subcommittee on Human Rights

The problem of disinformation is globally recognised as disruptive to the normal functioning of democratic societies, economies and political systems. In recent years, ‘fake news’ and coordinated disinformation campaigns have an instrument of geopolitical influence.

They have afflicted elections in both established and new democracies, and undermined social and political solidarity in response to global challenges. It is with these and other instances in mind that the European Union (EU) identified ‘the exposure of citizens to large scale disinformation’ as ‘a major challenge for Europe’ in 2018, undertaking an increasingly ambitious programme of action to counter this evolving threat since. The outbreak of the coronavirus has led to disinformation that hampers efforts to contain the pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said false claims “are spreading faster than the virus” and has already termed it an “infodemic of planetary proportions”. The Russian aggression against Ukraine is also a source of many disinformation.&nbsp;

Special Committee for foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU, including disinformation (INGE) was created in the European Parliament to tackle these challenges

Fight against disinformation

ENVI - Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

MEPs discuss the declining state of democracy in Georgia with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, ahead of a vote on a related resolution scheduled for Thursday. As the country prepares for parliamentary elections on 26 October, concerns have arisen over the ruling Georgian Dream party's increasingly authoritarian policies, particularly regarding media freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. Despite being granted EU candidate status in December 2023, the party has faced criticism for its crackdown on pro-democracy protests and for advancing a law labeling Western-funded media and NGOs as "foreign agents." If Georgian Dream secures a significant majority in the upcoming elections, there are fears that the multi-party system and political pluralism in Georgia could be further jeopardized.

Threats to political pluralism in Georgia

MEPs wengage in a debate with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell regarding Russian attempts to interfere in Moldova's upcoming presidential elections. Following this discussion, a resolution addressing these concerns will be put to a vote on Thursday.

Moldova is set to hold its presidential election on 20 October 2024, coinciding with a referendum on EU membership. Senior Moldovan officials have raised alarms about Moscow's use of hybrid tactics aimed at undermining the country's pro-European government, led by President Maia Sandu, as it seeks to advance its EU integration following the granting of EU candidate status in June 2022.

Strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference

MEPs will engage in a debate with the Commission focused on media pluralism, independent journalism and on combating the rising tide of disinformation. With fake news and coordinated disinformation campaigns increasingly used as tools for political interference the urgency of this discussion is heightened by recent incidents surrounding the June 2024 European elections and various national elections. The surge in disinformation has also been exacerbated by significant events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Ursula von der Leyen announced the introduction of a new European Democracy Shield aimed at countering foreign information manipulation.

The European Parliament has taken proactive steps to safeguard citizens from disinformation and foreign interference through legislative measures like the anti-SLAPP directive and the Media Freedom Act. The latter aims to protect editorial freedom from political interference while offering enhanced safeguards for journalists and their sources. The EU's broader strategy seeks to address the challenges posed by disinformation by strengthening cooperation among member states, enhancing accountability for online platforms, and establishing a robust regulatory framework under the Digital Services Act. This comprehensive approach aims to preserve democratic integrity and foster public trust amidst an increasingly complex information landscape.

Facing fake news, populism and disinformation in the EU

MEPs are calling for continued military and financial support for Ukraine in a resolution expected on Thursday. Ahead of the vote, Parliament is holding a debate with the Commission on Tuesday.

In July, the newly-elected Parliament adopted its first resolution of the term, stating that the EU must support Ukraine until it wins against Russia’s occupying forces. This latest resolution reaffirms that commitment, urging EU countries to maintain their backing for Kyiv.

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States

Parliament to vote on Ursula von der Leyen’s nomination for Commission President

If elected by MEPs on Thursday, Ursula von der Leyen is set to return to the office of European Commission President for the next five years.

At 09.00 on Thursday, she will take the floor in Parliament’s plenary session and outline her vision and plans as Commission President, followed by a debate with MEPs.

The vote by secret paper ballot will take place at 13.00, following the debate. 

Background
Article 14 of the Treaty of the European Union provides that the EP “shall elect the President of the Commission.” In practice, based on Parliament’s Rules of Procedure (rule 128), the candidate proposed by the European Council has to present their political guidelines to Parliament, followed by a debate. Parliament then elects the President of the Commission by a majority of its component MEPs - i.e. 361, in a Parliament of 720 Members. If the candidate does not obtain the required majority, the President will invite the European Council to put forward another within one month, for election in accordance with the same procedure.

Ms von der Leyen has been Commission President since 2019 and was the EPP’s lead candidate in the 6 - 9 June European elections.

Election of the President of the European Commission

The House is expected to elect its 14 Vice-Presidents and its five Quaestors on Tuesday 16 July and Wednesday 17 July.

Following the election of its President, Parliament will also elect its 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors, which comprise Parliament’s Bureau. 

What do Vice-Presidents and Quaestors do?

Vice-Presidents can replace the President, including to chair plenary sittings and in representing the Parliament at specific ceremonies or acts, when necessary. Quaestors deal with administrative matters directly affecting MEPs. 

Vice-Presidents and Quaestors are members of the European Parliament’s Bureau (where Quaestors participate in an advisory capacity), which lays down rules for Parliament’s smooth functioning. Among its other duties, the Bureau draws up Parliament’s preliminary draft budget and decides on administrative, staff and organisational matters. In practice, the political groups aim to ensure that the composition of the Bureau broadly reflects the numerical strength of the groups, taking into account also the results of the President's election.

The process

Parliament’s Rules of Procedure (rules 17 and 18) set out how Bureau members are elected. As for the President, nominations are put forward either by a political group or by a group of MEPs reaching the low threshold (1/20th of MEPs). 

Vice-Presidents are elected in a single ballot, by an absolute majority of votes cast. If the number of successful candidates is less than 14, a second vote is held for the remaining seats, under the same conditions. If a third vote is necessary, a simple majority is sufficient. Vice-Presidents take precedence in the order in which they are elected and, in the event of a tie, by age. If voted by acclamation, a vote by secret ballot determines the order of precedence.

In each round MEPs may vote for up to as many candidates as the number of seats available in that round, but they have to vote for more than half of the positions to be filled - rounded up. In practical terms, this means that in the first round MEPs will have to vote for at least eight candidates and, if there is an odd number of seats in subsequent rounds, the number would be rounded up: for example, for nine positions the minimum would be five votes. The ballot papers that do not meet the threshold are not counted.

The election of Quaestors follows the same procedure as that for the election of Vice-Presidents.

Elections of EP's Quaestors

New Parliament set to voice strong support for Ukraine

On Wednesday morning, political group leaders will make statements on the need for the EU's continuous support for Ukraine, followed by a vote on a resolution at 17.00.
With Russia intensifying its bombardment of Ukrainian civil infrastructure, including strikes on the country’s largest paediatric clinic, political group leaders will discuss the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression.. In a vote on a resolution at 17.00, MEPs will set out the newly elected Parliament’s position and are expected to reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine. 

Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of Ukraine resolutions adopted by MEPs during the previous legislative term (2019-2024).

The need for the EU's continuous support for Ukraine

The House is expected to elect its 14 Vice-Presidents and its five Quaestors on Wednesday Tuesday 16 July and Wednesday 17 July.17 July and Thursday 18 July.

Following the election of its President, Parliament will also elect its 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors, which comprise Parliament’s Bureau. 

What do Vice-Presidents and Quaestors do?

Vice-Presidents can replace the President, including to chair plenary sittings and in representing the Parliament at specific ceremonies or acts, when necessary. Quaestors deal with administrative matters directly affecting MEPs. 

Vice-Presidents and Quaestors are members of the European Parliament’s Bureau (where Quaestors participate in an advisory capacity), which lays down rules for Parliament’s smooth functioning. Among its other duties, the Bureau draws up Parliament’s preliminary draft budget and decides on administrative, staff and organisational matters. In practice, the political groups aim to ensure that the composition of the Bureau broadly reflects the numerical strength of the groups, taking into account also the results of the President's election.

The process

Parliament’s Rules of Procedure set out how Bureau members are elected. As for the President, nominations are put forward either by a political group or by a group of MEPs reaching the low threshold (1/20th of MEPs). 

Vice-Presidents are elected in a single ballot, by an absolute majority of votes cast. If the number of successful candidates is less than 14, a second vote is held for the remaining seats, under the same conditions. If a third vote is necessary, a simple majority is sufficient. Vice-Presidents take precedence in the order in which they are elected and, in the event of a tie, by age. If voted by acclamation, a vote by secret ballot determines the order of precedence.

Elections of EP's Vice-Presidents

After the new Parliament is established on 16 July at 10.00 CEST, MEPs must first elect their President for the next two-and-a-half years.

The President enjoys a broad range of executive and representative powers, extending to “all powers that are necessary to preside over the proceedings of Parliament and to ensure that they are properly conducted”.

How is the President elected?

Candidates may be put forward either by a political group or by a group of MEPs reaching the low threshold, i.e. 1/20th of MEPs. Ahead of the vote, candidates may address the plenary for a maximum of five minutes. 

The election takes place by secret ballot and requires an absolute majority of valid votes cast, i.e. 50% plus one. Blank or spoiled votes are not taken into account. The deadline for presidential nominations is Monday, 15 July, at 19.00 and the vote will take place on Tuesday 16 July.

If no candidate is elected in the first round of voting, the same or other candidates can be nominated for a second round under the same conditions. A third round may take place if necessary, again with the same rules. If none of the candidates are elected in the third round of voting, the two candidates with the most votes in the third round proceed to a fourth and final round of voting, in which the candidate receiving the most votes wins.

Once elected, the new President will take the chair and may deliver an opening address.

Background

The process for electing the EP President is set out in Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, in rules 14 to 16. The sitting at which a new President is elected is chaired by the outgoing President or by one of the outgoing Vice-Presidents (to be determined according to their order of precedence), or, in the absence of any of them, by the Member who has held office for the longest period. Eight tellers, chosen by lot from among MEPs, oversee the process

Election of the President of the European Parliament

Following the European Parliament elections, EU leaders meet today in Brussels to discuss the next high-profile EU-level roles in the upcoming institutional cycle.

EP President Metsola particpates and gives a doorstep.

EP President's Metsola doorstep at informal EU leaders meeting

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected. Elections take place every five years. The next are held in the EU Member States from 6 to 9 June 2024. EU elections take place today in Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Finland, Sweden

Election Night- 9/6/2024

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected. Elections take place every five years. The elections are held in the EU Member States from 6 to 9 June 2024. 

EU elections take place today in Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Finland and in Sweden

Election Days- 9/6/2024

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected. Elections take place every five years. The elections are held in the EU Member States from 6 to 9 June 2024.

EU elections take place today in Latvia, Malta and in Slovakia.

Election Days- 8/6/2024

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected. Elections take place every five years. The next are held in the EU Member States from 6 to 9 June 2024.

EU elections take place today in Czechia and Ireland.

Election Days- 7/6/2024

In the European elections, people in the European Union vote for Members to represent them in the European Parliament. In 2024, 720 MEPs will be elected. Elections take place every five years. The elections are held in the EU Member States from 6 to 9 June 2024.

EU elections take place today in the Netherlands.

Election Days- 6/6/2024

On 8 and 9 May, landmark buildings across the EU will be illuminated to mark Europe Day and “one month to go” to the last day before voting.

European Elections 2024 - One Month to Go, illumination of landmark buildings across the EU

Elections campaign/”One month to go”. On 8 and 9 May, landmark buildings across the EU will be illuminated to mark Europe Day and “one month to go” to the last day of voting.

Briefing for media on the 2024 European Elections. Parliament’s Press Service will organise a briefing for media on the practical details for covering the elections. It will cover Parliament’s main legislative achievements during its ninth term, as well as unfinished business to be dealt with by the new Parliament. Media will also be provided with practical information on the three key events in the run-up to the elections: One month to go (9 May); Eurovision debate with the lead candidates for the EU Commission Presidency (23 May); and Election night (9 June). (Monday 29 April, from 10.00-11.00).

Briefing for media on the 2024 European Elections

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Antonio COSTA, President-elect of the European Council

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.


The number of MEPs elected varies between countries: bigger countries get more seats than smaller ones. Due to changes in the size of the population, some EU countries will get extra seats in the upcoming elections compared to the outgoing Parliament. In total 15 seats will be added.


There are also differences in other aspects of voting, for example regarding the minimum voting age or the rules about voting from abroad.

EU Elections 2024

The European elections are the largest transnational elections in the world. There are some common rules that apply in all EU countries but many details vary by country.


Election days range from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June and it is up to each country to decide when and how they organise the vote.

Map European elections 2024

Resumption of the session

Opening of the sitting (first sitting of the newly-elected Parliament)

Verification of credentials

Announcement of the candidates for election to the office of President

Short presentations by the candidates for election to the office of President

20240716-0900-PLENARY

Resumption of the sitting

Formation of political groups

Election of Quaestors (deadline for submitting nominations) 

Agenda of the next sitting

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

S&D Press briefing with the newly elected President of the S&D Group

Press point by Valerie HAYER, Renew Europe group leader following the European elections 2024

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night

Recast of EP results projection based on additional incoming results data by Jaume DUCH, Spokeperson of the European Parliament, Delphine COLARD, Deputy Spokesperson

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night - Recast of EP results projection based on additional incoming results data by Jaume DUCH, Spokeperson of the European Parliament, Delphine COLARD, Deputy Spokesperson

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night

Updated EP aggregation (hemicycle projection) based on 25 provisional results and 2 national estimates
Additional updated provisional results from Austrian, Belgium, France, Italy

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night - Updated EP aggregation (hemicycle projection) based on 25 provisional results and 2 national estimates  Additional updated provisional results from Austrian, Belgium, France, Italy

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night - Statement by Walter BAIER, European Left Lead Candidate

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night - Statement by Bas EICKHOUT, European Greens Lead Candidate

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night - Statement by Nicolas SCHMIT, Party of European Socialists Lead Candidate

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night - Statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, European People's Party Lead Candidate

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night

Projection of the upcoming European Parliament (based on available national estimates and pre-election polls) presented by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and by Jaume DUCH GUILLOT, Spokesperson of the European Parliament

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night - Projection of the upcoming European Parliament (based on available national estimates and pre-election polls) presented by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and by Jaume DUCH GUILLOT, Spokesperson of the European Parliament

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night - Statement by Manfred WEBER, EPP Chairman

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night - Statement by Pedro MARQUES, S&D Vice-President

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night  - Statement by Iskra MIHAYLOVA, Renew Europe Vice-President

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night - Statement by Philippe LAMBERTS, Greens/EFA Co-President

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night - Statement by Assita KANKO, ECR Vice-President

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night  - Statement by Marc BOTENGA for The Left

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night -  First estimate EU turnout

EU Elections 2024 – Election Night - First publication of available national estimates  Romania Poland Portugal Sweden

EP Plenary session - Election of the President of the Commission

EP Plenary session - Elections of Quaestors of Parliament

EP Plenary session - Election of the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament - Second ballot

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with António COSTA, President elected of the European Council

EP Plenary session - Election of the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament - First ballot

Press conference of the newly elected President of the EP

EP Plenary session - Election of the new EP President

EP Press Briefing - European Elections 2024

European Elections Night 2024

European Elections Night 2024 in Strasbourg

European elections - Iratxe Garcia Perez votes in Valladolid.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling stations in Spain

European elections 2024  - Ambiance shots of polling stations in France

European elections 2024  - Ambiance shots of polling stations in Austria

European elections - illustration photos of people voting in Berlin

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling stations in Germany

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling stations in Belgium

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling stations in Luxembourg

The European Parliament publishes its first pan-European post-electoral opinion survey, focused on the concerns of EU citizens and the issues that motivated them to vote in June 2024 (with a 51% total turnout). The post-electoral Eurobarometer survey was carried out by Verian (previously Kantar Public) research agency between 13 June and 8 July 2024 in all 27 EU Member States. The survey was conducted face-to-face, with video interviews (CAVI) used additionally in Czechia, Denmark, Finland and Malta. 26.349 interviews were conducted in total. EU results were weighted according to the size of the population in each country. In addition to the weighting procedure based on socio-demographic variables (post-stratification weights on gender and age, region and urbanisation), the results for all questions related to the European elections in this post-election survey were weighted according to the actual national turnout.

European Parliament post-electoral Eurobarometer 2024: graphics and figures

European Parliament post-electoral Eurobarometer 2024: graphics and figures (vertical format 9/16)

The European Parliament's press and spokeperson's services hold a technical briefing on the first pan-European post-electoral opinion surveyon the schedule, and on the rules and structure of the confirmation hearings of the upcoming European Commission.

Technical briefing on the European Parliament post-electoral Eurobarometer 2024, and on the confirmation hearings of the new European Commission

This memoclip shows citizens voting in various EU member states during the European Elections 2024, as well as footage from the Elections night at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Memoclip: European Elections 2024 - Citizens voting

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), participates in a Monetary Dialogue with the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) to present a monetary policy report and respond to questions from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This marks her first appearance following the recent European elections. The meeting focuses on two key topics: the ECB's continued monetary policy easing, following its second consecutive rate cut, and the Capital Markets Union and its significance for monetary policy. While the ECB operates with guaranteed independence under the Treaty, it remains accountable to the European Parliament, particularly to the ECON Committee.

Monetary Dialogue with Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank (ECB): extracts - ECON Committee

Christines LAGARDE appears for the first time before the ECON Committee of the newly elected European Parliament to discuss the assessment of the ECB's monetary policy shortly after the ECB Governing Council decided on 12 September 2024 to further ease monetary policy by lowering the key interest rate (deposit facility rate - DFR) by 25 basis points, continuing the change initiated in June. This monetary dialogue is also an opportunity to address the topic of the Capital Markets Union (CMU) and its relevance for monetary policy.The President of the European Central Bank (ECB) takes part four times a year in a monetary dialogue with Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) to report on monetary policy.

Monetary Dialogue with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank: Opening statements by Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, FR), Chair of ECON Committee and by Christine LAGARDE, President of the ECB

Monetary Dialogue with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank: MEPs Q&A (1)

Closing statement by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of an Economy that works for People, and Commissioner for Trade, on a continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States. MEPs are calling for continued military and financial support for Ukraine in a resolution expected on Thursday. Ahead of the vote, Parliament is holding a debate with the Commission. In July, the newly-elected Parliament adopted its first resolution of the term, stating that the EU must support Ukraine until it wins against Russia’s occupying forces. This latest resolution reaffirms that commitment, urging EU countries to maintain their backing for Kyiv.

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States: closing statement by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of an Economy that works for People

MEPs debate on a continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States. MEPs are calling for continued military and financial support for Ukraine in a resolution expected on Thursday. Ahead of the vote, Parliament is holding a debate with the Commission. In July, the newly-elected Parliament adopted its first resolution of the term, stating that the EU must support Ukraine until it wins against Russia’s occupying forces. This latest resolution reaffirms that commitment, urging EU countries to maintain their backing for Kyiv.

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States: MEPs debate (part 3)

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States: MEPs debate (part 2)

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States: MEPs debate (part 1)

Opening statements by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of an Economy that works for People, and Commissioner for Trade, on a continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States. MEPs are calling for continued military and financial support for Ukraine in a resolution expected on Thursday. Ahead of the vote, Parliament is holding a debate with the Commission. In July, the newly-elected Parliament adopted its first resolution of the term, stating that the EU must support Ukraine until it wins against Russia’s occupying forces. This latest resolution reaffirms that commitment, urging EU countries to maintain their backing for Kyiv. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States: opening statement by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of an Economy that works for People

What’s better than a chat about democracy? A chat about democracy with a free coffee!
Meet Cille, a together.eu volunteer who set up a coffee truck in Copenhagen to encourage democratic participation in the EU. 
Together with her team, she organises EU-related events throughout the year to get people talking about what the EU can do for them and how EU institutions play a role in everyone’s life. 
Together.eu is a community of people who care about the EU and its future. By supporting the together.eu community, the European Parliament is encouraging people from across the EU to get involved in the democratic process.

Boosting democratic participation with Cille, a together.eu volunteer 9:16

The European Parliament is encouraging people from across the EU to get involved in the democratic process.

Together.eu is a community powered by the European Parliament where you can meet - online and offline - people who care about democracy and make your voice heard on European issues.

Like Mireya in Madrid and Cille in Denmark, together.eu volunteers from across the EU meet, debate, exchange ideas and organise events to highlight what EU institutions do for citizens and why democratic participation is vital.

Meet your community and join them on together.eu.

Get involved in strengthening EU democracy! Meet Mireya and Cille

In June, millions of Europeans turned out to vote in the world's largest transnational election. Now the votes have been counted and new MEPs elected, let’s see what the new European Parliament looks like. How many MEPs are there in each political group? How many MEPs are there per country? Who did they elect as President of the European Parliament and European Commission?

What is the composition of the new European Parliament?

In June, millions of Europeans turned out to vote in the world's largest transnational election. Now the votes have been counted and new MEPs elected, let’s see what the new European Parliament looks like. 
 
How many MEPs are there in each political group? How many MEPs are there per country? Who did they elect as President of the European Parliament and European Commission?

What is the composition of the new European Parliament ? - 9:16

This news item shows extracts from the AFET (Foreign Affairs), LIBE (Civil Liberties, Home Affairs and Justice), ITRE (Industry, research and Energy), ECON (Economy and Monetary Affairs), ENVI (Environment, Public Health and Food Safety), DEVE (Development) and AGRI (Agriculture) Committee's constitutive meetings and the election of their Bureau. The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels following the appointments of their members in the plenary sitting of 16-19 July. During the constitutive meetings, each committee and subcommittee elects its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate. The newly set up committees then starts holding their regular meetings during the same week following their constitutive meeting.

Constitutive meetings of the Committees (AFET, LIBE, ITRE, ECON, ENVI, DEVE and AGRI): extracts

In July 2024, the European Parliament confirmed Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as Commission President. She’ll lead a team of commissioners – one from each EU country – who will propose and monitor the implementation of EU laws over the next five years.    
 
Electing the President of the European Commission is one of the first jobs of the Parliament after the European elections. 
    
The leaders of EU countries nominate a candidate for Commission President taking into account the results of the European elections.    
   
The candidate needs to receive approval from Parliament with the support of a majority of its component Members plus one in a secret vote.   
   
If the candidate does not receive the required majority, the European Council must propose an alternate candidate within a month.   
   
To learn more: https://elections.europa.eu/en/commission-president/

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Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Antonio COSTA, President-elect of the European Council

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Antonio COSTA, President-elect of the European Council

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Antonio COSTA, President-elect of the European Council

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission