The first act of a new European Parliament is to elect its President. Candidates for the Presidency may be proposed either by a political group or by a minimum of 38 MEPs . The election is held by secret ballot. To be elected, a candidate must win an absolute majority of the valid votes cast, i.e. 50% plus one.

If no candidate is elected at the first ballot, the same or other candidates may be nominated for a second round of voting under the same conditions. This can be repeated at a third round if necessary, again with the same rules.

If no-one is elected at the third ballot, the two highest-scoring candidates in that round proceed to a fourth ballot, where the one receiving the greater number of votes wins. (Should there be a tie at this stage, the older candidate is declared the winner).

Election of the President of the European Parliament

The Presidential Debate - EU Elections 2019 takes place on 15 May at 21.00 CET. It is an opportunity to discover where the lead candidates stand on a range of issues.

Political parties put forward candidates for the post of president of the European Commission ahead of the European elections. The lead candidate nominated by the Council, and able to command a majority in Parliament, will be elected President of the European Commission by a vote of Parliament.

The lead candidates are sometimes referred to by the German term spitzenkandidaten. This system was first used in 2014 to select current Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Presidency of the European Commission/Eurovision Debate - EU elections 2019

In May, hundreds of millions of citizens will elect a new European Parliament. EU citizens will carefully evaluate candidates and programmes, before making choices that will shape the future of our continent and our role in the world for years to come.

Election Days - 23-26 May 2019

The leaders’ talks on nominations for the EU's top jobs will continue at the Special European Council on 30 June 2019.

EU leaders discussed the possible candidates for the top positions in the EU at the June European Council, but did not conclude. The European Council plays a major part in appointing high-profile EU-level roles. In 2019 it will elect the European Council President, nominate a candidate for the President of the European Commission, appoint the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and decide on the President of the European Central Bank. They will all take office before the end of the year.

Special meeting of the European Council, 30/06/2019

EU leaders will meet in Brussels to take the relevant decisions on appointments for the next institutional cycle and to adopt the EU's strategic agenda for 2019-2024. The strategic agenda will be used to plan the work of the European Council, and will provide the basis for the work programmes of the other EU institutions.

European Council, 20 and 21 June 2019

From 23 to 26 May 2019, people in the EU voted for the next European Parliament.

This time more than 50% of EU citizens eligible to vote took part in the elections, the highest turnout in 20 years and the first time since the first direct elections in 1979 that turnout has increased.

Europeans go to the polls

The lead candidate of the Party of European Socialists (PES), Frans Timmermans, 57, was nominated by the members’ congress in Lisbon on 7-8 December 2018.

Frans TIMMERMANS (PvdA, Netherlands) currently serves as First Vice-President of the European Commission. He was first elected to the second chamber of the Dutch Parliament in 1998. From 2007 to 2010 he served as Secretary of State for European Affairs, and from 2012 to 2014 as Minister of Foreign Affairs in Mark Rutte’s cabinet. Mr Timmermans holds a degree in French language and literature from Radboud University.

#EUelections2019 - Frans TIMMERMANS, lead candidate for the PES

The European Parliament 's Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety is responsible for food safety issues, including the labelling and safety of foodstuffs, veterinary legislation safeguarding against risks to human health, and public health checks on foodstuffs and food production systems.

Parliament is also particularly vigilant with regard to threats to consumer health related to cloned animals and nanomaterials or GMOs. It scrutinises and regularly opposes draft proposals for authorisation or renewal of new genetically modified plants such as maize or soya beans. In order to ensure greater transparency throughout the food chain and to better inform European consumers, Parliament, in a resolution adopted in May 2016, reiterated its call on the Commission to present legislative proposals for the mandatory indication of the origin of, in particular, meat used as an ingredient in processed foods. This should restore consumer confidence in the wake of the horsemeat scandal and other food fraud cases. In 2017, Parliament and Council agreed upon new rules to tighten up official food inspections aimed at improving food traceability and combating fraud. During the negotiations, Parliament managed to strengthen enforcement in relation to fraudulent or deceptive practices.

#EUelections2019 - Food safety

The European Parliament works to ensure that its legislative and non-legislative work respects, promotes and safeguards the rights of the child and advances children’s lives both within the EU and in relation to the outside world.

The EU school fruit, vegetable and milk scheme lasts throughout the school year in the participating EU countries.

Aimed at promoting healthy eating habits among children, the EU school scheme includes the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk products, as well as dedicated educational programmes to teach pupils about the importance of good nutrition and to explain how food is produced.

#EUelections2019 - Children’s rights

Creatives and news publishers will be empowered to negotiate with internet giants thanks to new copyright rules which also contain safeguards on freedom of expression.

In March 2019 MEPs adopted by 348 votes in favour, 274 against and 36 abstentions a new directive on Copyright. This marks the end of the legislative process for the European Parliament that began in 2016. The directive aims to ensure that the longstanding rights and obligations of copyright law also apply to the internet. YouTube, Facebook and Google News are some of the internet household names that will be most directly affected by this legislation. The directive also strives to ensure that the internet remains a space for freedom of expression.

#EUelections2019 - Copyright

On Friday 25 May 2018 the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force.

MEPs approved the regulation in 2016, in order to provide universal and high-level data protection rules across the EU.&nbsp; GDPR will ensure that everyone is able to control what kind of personal data they share with companies and for which purposes.

#EUelections2019 - Data Protection

As of 3 December 2018, Europeans are able to shop online without unjustified geo-blocking, wherever they are in the EU.

For citizens this means that they are able to buy their new electrical goods online, rent a car or get their concert tickets across borders as they do at home. Consumers no longer face barriers such as being asked to pay with a debit or credit card issued in another country. For businesses, this means more legal certainty to operate cross-border.

#EUelections2019 - Geo-blocking

Roaming fees for calling, sending text messages and using mobile internet abroad in the EU banned since 15 June 2017.

Since 2006, the European Commission has taken action to address the high roaming charges paid by consumers for using their mobile phones when travelling abroad in another EU Member State. In 2015, the European Parliament and the Council adopted a fourth Roaming Regulation, which entered into force on 29 November 2015. In January 2016, the European Parliament voted on its resolution 'Towards a single market act' for a timely wholesale review, to end roaming charges for all European consumers by 15 June 2017. During the third trilogue meeting on 31 January 2017, an agreement was reached between the Parliament and the Council. The Final Act was published in the Official Journal on 9 June 2017. As a result, since 15 June 2017 retail roaming charges have disappeared in the EU and EEA/EFTA countries (as they decided also to abolish them). The wholesale roaming charges were again reduced.

#EUelections2019 - Roaming

As part of a shift in EU policy towards a circular economy, the European Parliament worked on four legislative proposals introducing new waste-management targets regarding reuse, recycling and landfilling. The proposals also strengthen provisions on waste prevention and extended producer responsibility, and streamline definitions, reporting obligations and calculation methods for targets.

#EUelections2019 - Circular economy

The European Parliament has adopted new rules to allow parents and carers to better reconcile their work and family lives.

The new rules for a better work-life balance, adopted on 4 April 2019, aim to increase the employment rate for women, create incentives for fathers to take family-related leave, and promote gender equality and equal opportunities. Parliament and Council agree on measures to reconcile career and private life:

- Ten working days paternity leave, paid at not less than the level of sick pay

- Two months of non-transferable paid parental leave

- Five days of annual carers’ leave

- Flexible working patterns, including remote working.

#EUelections2019 - Work-life balance

On 27 March 2019, Parliament approved a new law banning single-use plastic items such as plates, cutlery, straws and cotton buds.

A milestone success is the ban of single-use plastic products such as cutlery, cotton buds, plates, straws, beverage stirrers and balloon sticks which will be banned from the EU market from 2021.

#EUelections2019 - Single use plastics

European Parliament Press Seminar - A new political agenda for Europe: The priorities of the European parliament group leaders

European Parliament Press Seminar - A new political agenda for Europe: The priorities of the European parliament group leaders.

Sira REGO - GUE Candidate to the Presidency of the European Parliament

European Parliament group leaders statements following the extraordinary meeting of the Conference of Presidents

Press statement by Press statement by Ska KELLER, Greens co-group leader and lead candidate ollowing the extraordinary meeting of the Conference of Presidents

Press statement by Manfred WEBER, EPP group leader following the extraordinary meeting of the Conference of Presidents

Press statements by Antonio TAJANI, EP President and group leaders toon the EE19 outcome

Press statements following an extraordinary meeting of the Conference of Presidents

Press statement by Udo BULLMANN, S&D group leader following the extraordinary meeting of the Conference of Presidents

European Elections 2019 - Election night : statement of Nico CUÉ, EL lead candidate for the Presidency of the EC

European Elections 2019 - Election night - backstage

European Elections 2019 - Election night: Statement by Ska KELLER, and Bas EICKHOUT, Greens lead candidates for the Presidency of the European Commission

European Elections 2019 - Election night : statement of Margrethe VESTAGER, lead candidate for the Presidency of the European Commission for the ALDE party

European Elections 2019 - Election night: Statement by Frans TIMMERMANS, PES lead candidate for the Presidency of the EC

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024)", learn what are the different roles of the EP. The clip illustrates citizens going to vote in 2019. National estimates show that, on the election dates in 2024 the highest numbers of eligible voters are expected in Germany (64.9 million persons), France (49.7 million) and Italy (47 million). The lowest numbers are expected in Malta (0.4 million), Luxembourg (0.5 million) and Cyprus (0.7 million). In 2024, 16 years old citizens in Austria, Belgium, Germany and Malta will be able to go to vote for the first time.

How does the European Parliament work? (2019-2024) - The European elections in the member states (2019)

During the plenary session (10-13 February 2020) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Mairead McGUINNESS (EPP, IE), EP Vice-President holds a minute of silence for the Foibe victims, and she welcomes the new MEPs, following Brexit.

Introductory remarks by Mairead McGUINNESS (EPP, IE), EP Vice-President: minute of silence for the Foibe victims and welcome of the new MEPs

Composition of the European Parliament after the Brexit. As of 1 February, the number and distribution of seats in the Parliament changes following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. The European Parliament will have 705 seats, compared with 751 (the maximum allowed under the EU treaties) before the UK’s withdrawal from the EU on 31 January 2020. Of the UK’s 73 seats, 27 have been redistributed to other countries, while the remaining 46 will be kept in reserve for potential future enlargements.

Composition of the European Parliament after the Brexit: provisional composition

Composition of the European Parliament after the Brexit - Provisional composition - Pie chart/Camembert Provisional 1/02/2020

Composition of the European Parliament after the Brexit - Provisional composition

During the plenary session (25-28 November 2019 ) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate with Vera JUROVA on the Interference from other countries in our democracies and elections. Statements by Caroline VOADEN (RE, UK), Tytti TUPPURAINEN, Finnish Minister for European Affairs, and Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President-designate, Values and Transparency.

Interference from other countries in our democracies and elections: extracts from the debate

David SASSOLI, EP President, opens the press seminar for journalists from Member States "A new political agenda for Europe: the priorities of the European Parliament group leaders", organised by the EP Press Service, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

"A new political agenda for Europe: the priorities of the European Parliament group leaders" - EP Press seminar: opening remarks by David SASSOLI, EP President

Live Replay of the debate on the election of the President of the European Commission: statement by Ursula von der LEYEN and MEPs debate during the plenary session in Strasbourg (15-18/07/2019)

Election of the President of the European Commission: MEPs debate - part 2 (11:27-12:11)

During the plenary session (15-18 July 2019) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs vote by secret paper ballot on the candidacy of Ursula von der Leyen, candidate for the President of the Commission. Ambiance shots of the election

Election of the President of the European Commission: extracts from the ambiance shots of the election

Live Replay of the vote on the election of the President of the Commission during the plenary session in Strasbourg (15-18/07/2019)

Election of the President of the Commission: vote (18:16 - 18:42)

During the plenary session (15-18 July) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Ursula von der LEYEN, candidate for President of the Commission, gives her final remarks at the end of a 4 hours exchange with MEPs.

Election of the President of the European Commission: extract from the closing statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, candidate for President of the Commission

Live Replay of the debate on the election of the President of the European Commission: statement by Ursula von der LEYEN and MEPs debate during the plenary session inStrasbourg (15-18/07/2019)

Election of the President of the European Commission: ambiance shots of the arrivals and opening speech by David SASSOLI, EP President (09:00-09:09)

Live Replay of the debate on the election of the President of the European Commission: statement by Ursula von der LEYEN and MEPs debate during the plenary session inStrasbourg (15-18/07/2019) The following transcription is the result of an automatic process. Check Against delivery.

Election of the President of the European Commission: statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, candidate for President of the Commission (09:09-09:43)

During the plenary session (15-18 July) in Strasbourg, Dacian CIOLOȘ (RE, RO), RE Group leader, speaks to the press about the vote on the Candidate for President of the European Commission.

Press conference by Dacian CIOLOȘ (RE, RO), RE Group leader, on the vote on the Candidate for President of the European Commission

Announcement of the result of the election of the President of the EC by David SASSOLI, EP President, during the plenary session (15-18/07) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Ursula Von der Leyen is elected as the next President of the European Commission. The result of the vote is the following: votes cast: 733; Majority of component Members: 374; Votes in favour: 383; Votes against: 327; Abstentions: 22; and Void: 1.

Election of the President of the European Commission: extracts from the announcement of the result of the election of the President of the EC

During the plenary session (15-18 July 2019) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate with the candidate for the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen before voting on her candidacy. In her speech, Ursula von der Leyen outlines her vision as Commission President.

Election of the President of the European Commission: extracts from the statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, candidate for President of the EC

Live Replay of the debate on the election of the President of the European Commission: statement by Ursula von der LEYEN and MEPs debate during the plenary session in Strasbourg (15-18/07/2019). The following transcription is the result of an automatic process. Check Against delivery.

Election of the President of the European Commission: closing statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, candidate for President of the Commission (12:57-13:03)

Election of the President of the European Commission: answer by Ursula von der LEYEN, candidate for President of the Commission (10:20-10:27)

Live Replay of the vote on the election of the President of the Commission during the plenary session in Strasbourg (15-18/07/2019

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