This Sunday, party leaders from across Europe will gather to celebrate and reflect on the results of the European Parliament elections. The far right has been particularly vocal in their reactions, with the National Front in France anticipating a significant victory for Jordan Bardellan. The elections have historically been a source of frustration for many Europeans, as voter turnout has steadily declined since the first direct elections in 1979.
Initially, the European Parliament elections were meant to increase enthusiasm for European integration among citizens. However, the opposite effect has occurred, with voter turnout dropping from 62 percent in 1979 to a record low of 42.6 percent in 2014. The slight increase in turnout in the last elections was largely attributed to the impact of Brexit, which brought attention to the rise of far-right and Eurosceptic parties.
Despite the significance of the European Parliament elections, many argue that the ultimate direction of Europe is not solely determined by the results. National governments and parliaments still hold sway over key decisions. Moving forward, focus should be placed on strengthening the EU’s economy and security, as these are crucial to the region’s stability and prosperity.
The columnist stresses the importance of united efforts in prioritizing key areas of growth and security for Europe, rather than getting caught up in secondary issues. With significant work lies ahead, it is imperative for European leaders to come together to address the challenges facing the continent.