66-563: The tenth European Parliament was elected during the 2024 elections and is slated to remain in session until the forthcoming 2029 elections. The table below lists the history of the composition of the groups during the Tenth European Parliament. The President of the European Parliament, together with fourteen Vice Presidents and 5 Quaestors are chosen through the votes of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) serving
132-505: A list system or single transferable vote . The national electoral threshold may not exceed 5% of votes cast. In June 2018, the Council agreed to change the EU electoral law and to reform old laws from the 1976 Electoral Act as amended in 2002. New provisions included a mandatory 2% threshold for countries with more than 35 seats and rules to prevent voters from voting in multiple countries. After
198-583: A " hybrid regime of electoral autocracy " since 2022 and considers Hungary according to Article 7.1 of the Treaty on European Union in clear risk of a serious breach of the Treaty on European Union . In January 2024, a majority of European Parliament MEPs voted for a resolution demanding that the EU Council considers that Hungary be stripped of its EU voting rights under Article 7 of the Treaty. The dates chosen for
264-528: A candidate for a second term as President of the European Commission . European Parliament's secret vote took place on 18 July 2024. President-elect of the Commission will propose to the European Parliament candidates for members of the Commission. 2024 European Parliament election Ursula von der Leyen EPP Ursula von der Leyen EPP The 2024 European Parliament election
330-670: A member of the ID Party, also announced it would join "Patriots for Europe" instead of the ID group. The Dutch Party for Freedom 's leader, Geert Wilders , also announced his party would join the new group, followed by the Danish People's Party and Vlaams Belang , which both said they would also join. The League stated that it was strongly considering joining, while the National Rally entered "advanced talks" to discuss joining. On 8 July 2024,
396-400: A party highly sceptical of Ukraine – being in favour of bids from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina , two countries with governments favourable to Russia. Ursula von der Leyen , the current European Commission President, did not formally announce her intention to stand for a second term until February 2024. This led to speculation about other potential EPP candidates, such as President of
462-615: A political declaration, setting out the purpose of the group. Several news outlets have speculated on the possibility of a new group guided by the German Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht party, created in January 2024. This 'left-conservative' and eurosceptic group could also include La France Insoumise , the Five Star Movement , ANO 2011 , Course of Freedom , Direction – Social Democracy , Voice – Social Democracy ,
528-669: A symbolic transnational list for the election alongside its leading candidates. Immigration was cited by Politico as a key issue in elections in several countries, including Austria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland and Sweden. Various sources wrote that an increased influence of right-wing and far-right parties in the European Parliament could derail Ukrainian accession , as polling showed low support for EU enlargement in countries where such parties have power. Exceptions were Poland's Law and Justice supporting Ukrainian accession, and Hungary's Fidesz –
594-506: A term lasting 2.5 years, with the option for re-election. Chairs No chairpeople: PfE and ESN (due to cordon sanitaire ) No chair-people: Sweden, Estonia, Netherlands, Hungary, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Denmark, Croatia, Lithuania, Portugal, Austria, Latvia, Slovenia, Malta, Cyprus Vice-Chairs No vice-chairpeople: PfE and ESN (due to cordon sanitaire ) No vice-chairpeople: Slovenia, Malta, Cyprus, Finland European Council proposed on 27 June 2024 Ursula von der Leyen as
660-628: Is believed that the French and Slovenian delegations voted against. The centre-left PES held its congress in Rome on 2 March. Nominees required the backing of nine PES full member parties or organisations, with nominations closing on 17 January. On 18 January, the PES announced that the Luxembourgish European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit was the sole nominee to meet
726-607: Is not interested in the post either. On 11 March, the German FDP nominated Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann to become presidential candidate. She was then elected on March 20 during the party congress, along with the adoption of the election programme. During the 8 March 2024 Convention in Florence , the European Democratic Party nominated Sandro Gozi as its lead candidate and approved its election programme. During
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#1732858319968792-548: The ECR to create a broad conservative block, which could upset the long-standing status-quo that has seen the EPP share power with the centre-left S&D and the centrist Renew Group . The Qatargate corruption scandal, which began in December 2022, had destabilized the European Parliament following the arrest of several MEPs including Marc Tarabella ; Andrea Cozzolino and Eva Kaili who
858-585: The Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF). The Finns Party also joined the group. Lega MEP Marco Zanni was announced as the new group's chairman. The group, composed at that time of 73 MEPs, was launched in Brussels by RN leader Marine Le Pen on 13 June 2019. It was expanded to include former ENF members Vlaams Belang and the Freedom Party of Austria , as well the new Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party from
924-601: The European Conservatives and Reformists group citing their change in policy to support NATO membership as the reason for the move. Ahead of the 2024 European Parliament election , AfD lead candidate Maximilian Krah made controversial statements on the Waffen-SS in an interview which was met with anger within the group. In response, National Rally spokespeople Jordan Bardella and Caroline Parmentier announced they would part ways with Alternative for Germany after
990-595: The European Conservatives and Reformists group or a new merged European Parliament group. The Estonian EKRE and the Austrian FPÖ supported removing Krah but opposed the expulsion of the entire AfD faction. After an internal meeting and vote, the Identity and Democracy board subsequently voted in favour of ejecting the AfD, with group leader Marco Zanni citing Krah's interview, as well as reports of Chinese and Russian influence on
1056-576: The Lithuanian Regions Party , For Stability! , and Together for Catalonia . In April 2024, Euractiv reported that BSW announced it had the necessary figures to establish the new group. After the expulsion of the AfD from ID, it is uncertain where its MEPs will be part of a group after the election. On 30 May, RTL Hungary reported that MHM and AfD were considering forming a new group. This 'far-right' and eurosceptic group could include also Niki and Republic Movement . After Revival
1122-594: The Patriots for Europe group formed during the tenth term . In April 2019, the Danish People's Party and the Finns Party (at the time members of the European Conservatives and Reformists ) announced their intention to form a new grouping with Alternative for Germany , formerly of the ECR , ENF and EFDD groups, and Italy's League following the 2019 elections. AfD spokesman Jörg Meuthen appeared alongside Northern League leader Matteo Salvini to formally announce
1188-574: The previous election , held on 23–26 May 2019, in terms of the political Groups in the Parliament, they resulted in the EPP Group and S&D suffering significant losses, while the liberal/centrist ( Renew ), the Greens/EFA and ID made substantial gains, with ECR and The Left had small reduction. The European People's Party , led by Manfred Weber , won the most seats in the European Parliament, but
1254-470: The 2024 European Parliament election, National Rally spokespeople Jordan Bardella and Caroline Parmentier announced they would part ways with Alternative for Germany after the election and not include the AfD in the ID group due to controversial statements on Nazi Germany made by AfD lead candidate Maximilian Krah in an interview and allegations of Chinese espionage influence on the party. Italy's Lega and
1320-941: The 24–25 February 2024 congress in Ljubljana, the PEL elected Walter Baier as its presidential candidate and adopted its election programme. In a meeting held on 24 February 2024, the European Christian Political Movement appointed party president Valeriu Ghilețchi as its lead candidate for the European Commission. At its General Assembly in Luxembourg in January 2024, the European Pirate Party nominated Marcel Kolaja and Anja Hirschel as lead candidates. On 27 November 2023, Volt Europa adopted its European election programme at its General Assembly in Paris. During
1386-624: The 2–4 February 2024 congress in Lyon , the European Green Party elected Terry Reintke and Bas Eickhout as its two presidential candidates and adopted its election programme. Nominees were Bas Eickhout , Elīna Pinto, Terry Reintke , Benedetta Scuderi . In October 2023, the congress of the European Free Alliance elected Maylis Roßberg and Raül Romeva as its presidential candidates, and adopted its election programme. During
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#17328583199681452-483: The 6–7 April 2024 campaign launch event in Brussels the party elected German MEP Damian Boeselager and Dutch MEP Sophie in 't Veld as its lead candidates. Regarding which European Parliament group to join after the elections, Boeselager said he was “ open to discussions ” between remaining in Greens/EFA or joining Renew Europe in due course. To emphasise its demand for transnational lists, Volt Europa also presented
1518-667: The Act was adopted by the Council following consent given by the European Parliament in July 2018, not all member states ratified the Act prior to the 2019 elections, which took place under the old rules. As of 2023, the reform has yet to be ratified by Cyprus and Spain ; Germany only ratified in summer 2023. On 3 May 2022, the European Parliament voted to propose a new electoral law, which would contain provisions for electing 28 seats on transnational lists. As of 2024, this reform has not been approved by
1584-437: The AfD. The AfD consequently moved to non-inscrits . Following the decision, the AfD said that Krah would not be permitted to sit with the AfD faction in the European Parliament after the election and that they would negotiate to rejoin Identity and Democracy. However, AfD failed in a bid to rejoin, with ID leaders making the decision not to re-admit the party. On 28 June, Freedom and Direct Democracy announced it would leave
1650-481: The Belgian public prosecutor's office is investigating whether European politicians were paid to spread Russian propaganda. In addition to Bystron, the investigation is also targeting Dutch MEP Marcel de Graaff (FvD) and German MEP Maximilian Krah (AfD). Ukrainian politician and businessman Viktor Medvedchuk , who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin , is believed to be the man behind Voice of Europe. Ahead of
1716-472: The Council, which must approve it unanimously, meaning the election will be conducted under the 1976 Electoral Act as amended in 2002. As a result of Brexit , 27 seats from the British delegation were distributed to other countries in January 2020 (those elected in 2019, but not yet seated took their seats). The other 46 seats were abolished with the total number of MEPs decreasing from 751 to 705. A report in
1782-586: The Czech SPD backed the position taken by the National Rally, but Vlaams Belang declined to support expulsion of the AfD from the ID group or rule out further cooperation with the AfD, while criticising Krah's remarks. The Danish People's Party conditioned future cooperation with the AfD on Krah's exclusion from the ID group. The AfD was expelled from the group on 23 May. After the European elections, there are often changes or creation of new political groups by
1848-624: The Czech Republic and the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE). The Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV) failed to secure any seats at the election; however, it gained one in the post-Brexit apportionment of seats . Before Brexit occurred, Party leader Geert Wilders stated his intention to align the PVV with ID, provided that the post-Brexit apportionment was confirmed by the European Council . PVV MEP Marcel de Graaff subsequently took
1914-611: The European Council to run for the European Parliament instead. This would have meant that European Union leaders would potentially discuss his successor in the summer as, if elected to the European Parliament, he would have had to step down because of prohibition of the dual mandate . His mandate had been to set to expire in November 2024. For this unanticipated decision Michel was criticised by EU officials and diplomats. He
1980-505: The European Parliament Roberta Metsola . However, on 19 February 2024, von der Leyen announced her intention to seek a second term. and on 7 March she was elected European People's Party presidential candidate with 400 votes in favour, 89 against and 10 blank, out of the 737 EPP congressional delegates. In Germany, the coalition government had also agreed to support the spitzenkandidat system, implicitly accepting
2046-536: The European Parliament consented to this decision, which was adopted by the European Council on 22 September 2023. In the run-up to the 2014 European Parliament elections a new informal system was unveiled for the selection of the European Commission President (known colloquially as the Spitzenkandidat system) dictating that whichever party group gained the most seats (or the one able to secure
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2112-554: The European Parliament proposed in February 2023 to modify the apportionment in the European Parliament and increase the number of MEPs from 705 to 716 in order to adapt to the development of the population and preserve degressive proportionality . It was passed in the plenary in June 2023. On 26 July 2023, the Council reached a preliminary agreement, which would increase the size of the European Parliament to 720 seats. On 13 September 2023,
2178-685: The Financial Times. The debate questions focused on economic policy in the EU. The third debate was held on Thursday, 23 May 2024 from 15:00 to 17:00 CET at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. It was hosted by the European Broadcasting Union together with the European Parliament and it was broadcast on public service media channels and online platforms members. The debate took place in English, with interpretation into all 24 official EU languages and International Sign Language . It
2244-587: The Functioning of the European Union , and the Act concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage (the Electoral Act). The Electoral Act states that the electoral procedure is governed by the national provisions in each member state, subject to the provisions of the act. Elections are conducted by direct universal suffrage by proportional representation using either
2310-544: The League and the National Rally also left the group to join Patriots for Europe. The group lists its core priorities as protecting European cultural heritage and the sovereignty of European nations, creating jobs and growth, increasing security, stopping illegal immigration, regulating legal immigration, fighting EU bureaucracy and preventing what it describes as the potential Islamisation of Europe. Identity and Democracy also opposes
2376-553: The Member State holding the six-monthly Presidency of the Council". This would have been the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán , whose country would be scheduled to take over the rotating presidency of the European Council on 1 July. On 26 January 2024, Michel withdrew his candidacy and thus delayed his departure. On 27 March, the Czech Republic sanctioned the news site Voice of Europe , claiming that
2442-472: The backing of their own member party and not more than two other EPP member parties from EU countries, with nominations closing on February 21. On 19 February 2024, Ursula von der Leyen announced her intention to run, supported by the CDU . On 7 March von der Leyen was elected presidential candidate with 400 votes in favour, 89 against and 10 blank, out of the 737 EPP delegates at the EPP congress. Among others, it
2508-408: The debate, Ursula von der Leyen indicated she would be open to a deal with the European Conservatives and Reformists group after the election saying that the collaboration “depends very much on how the composition of the Parliament is, and who is in what group”. The second debate was held on Tuesday, 21 May 2024 from 17:00 to 18:15 in Brussels, Belgium. It was hosted by the think tank Bruegel and
2574-458: The debate, since they have not nominated lead candidates for the Presidency of the European Commission and. The debate questions focused on six main topics: Economy and Jobs, Defence and Security, Climate and Environment, Democracy and Leadership, Migration and Borders, Innovation and Technology. Identity and Democracy Identity and Democracy (French: Identité et démocratie , ID )
2640-424: The election German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen was chosen as Commission President, even though she had not been a candidate prior to the election, while Manfred Weber, lead candidate for the EPP, which had gained the most seats, was not nominated as he was unable to secure support from any other party. Following this appointment of a Commission President who had not been a Spitzenkandidat, some called for
2706-657: The election and not include the AfD in the group due to Krah's remarks and allegations of Chinese espionage influence on the party. The League's leader Matteo Salvini and the Czech Freedom and Direct Democracy subsequently backed the position taken by the National Rally, with both parties saying they would terminate collaboration with the AfD after the election. Vlaams Belang criticized Krah's statements with VB MEP Gerolf Annemans calling Krah "increasingly problematic" but declined to immediately expel and cut cooperation with AfD, instead arguing that they would wait until after
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2772-489: The election before making a decision. The Danish People's Party issued an ultimatum that the AfD could only remain in the ID group on the condition of Krah's expulsion with MEP Anders Vistisen stating that the AfD should purge extremist elements if the two parties were to keep working together. The Portuguese Chega , a member of the ID Party, described the RN’s decision as a “game changer” and suggested it would now consider joining
2838-473: The elections conflicted with a long weekend in Portugal, where Portugal Day , a national holiday, was celebrated on 10 June, which was expected to suppress turnout. Despite an attempt by Portuguese leaders to find a compromise, no change was made to the default date of 6–9 June, which required unanimity to be changed. Elections to the European Parliament are regulated by the Treaty on European Union , Treaty on
2904-525: The formation of the new European political alliance with the Finns Party and Danish People's Party which was provisionally named European Alliance for People and Nations . On 12 June 2019, it was announced that the group would be named "Identity and Democracy" (ID), include Italy's League (LSP), the French National Rally (RN) and Alternative for Germany as member parties, and be a successor to
2970-537: The group to form a new group called " Europe of Sovereign Nations ", citing disagreements with other ID members on the European Green Deal , immigration, censorship and Ukraine. This new group is described as being led by the AfD. On 30 June, the Freedom Party of Austria also announced it would leave ID to form a new group called " Patriots for Europe ", alongside Fidesz and ANO 2011 . Shortly after, Chega,
3036-462: The matter. Although political commentators have noted the group contains members who have called for Europe to open up relations with Putin's government, the group has taken a pro-Ukraine stance and voted in support of a motion in the European Parliament to condemn "Russian aggression against Ukraine" following the Russian invasion of the country. In April 2023, the Finns Party changed membership to
3102-434: The most seats in the European Parliament. The pro-EU centrist , liberal , social democrat and environmentalist parties suffered losses, while anti-EU right-wing populist parties made gains. The right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists group overtook the centrist Renew Europe group to win the fourth most seats, while another right-wing group, Patriots for Europe , the successor of Identity and Democracy , won
3168-491: The national parties in the European Parliament . This concerns both the new parties that have not yet announced which group they will be part of, and the parties already present in the European Parliament who choose to change group at the beginning of a new legislature. According to the Parliament's rules of procedure, a political group requires at least 23 MEPs from at least one-quarter of the Member States (7 out of 27), and
3234-471: The nominating requirements. He was then nominated on 2 March during the party congress, along with the adoption of the election programme. The ALDE party held its extraordinary congress in Brussels on 20–21 March 2024. On 7 March 2024, following months of speculation, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas announced that she had rejected the offer from ALDE to be the party's Spitzenkandidat. Luxembourg's former Prime Minister Xavier Bettel announced that he
3300-425: The possible accession of Turkey to the European Union . The group calls for a Europe based on cooperation and further reforms of the EU through "more transparency and accountability" at Brussels, but rejects any further evolution towards a European Superstate . Political commentators have variously described Identity and Democracy as nationalist , right-wing populist , anti-immigrant , and Eurosceptic , although
3366-646: The prospect of von der Leyen, who within Germany hails from the opposition CDU party, becoming Commission President again, depending on the election results. Otherwise, the German government coalition agreement grants the right to nominate the next German EU Commissioner to the Greens , provided the Commission President is not from Germany. In January 2024, Charles Michel announced he would step down early as president of
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#17328583199683432-626: The right has continued to rise across Europe, remaining however split, mainly by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Russian relations issue. In 2024, before the European elections, right-wing populist parties hold or share political power in Hungary ( Fidesz ), Italy ( Brothers of Italy ), Sweden ( Sweden Democrats ), Finland ( Finns Party ), Slovakia ( Slovak National Party ) and Croatia ( Homeland Movement ). The centre-right EPP has "raised eyebrows" among some commentators for its efforts to charm parties in
3498-623: The seat, but in 2022 defected to the Forum for Democracy , citing his support for the FvD's policies against the COVID-19 vaccine. The FvD accordingly changed its affiliation from the ECR group to Identity and Democracy. In 2023, the FvD was suspended from the group after de Graaf shared messages on Twitter supportive of Putin following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and later quit the group citing difference in views on
3564-495: The site is part of a network for pro-Russian influence. The following day, Belgian Prime Minister De Croo , referring to the sanctions during a debate in the Belgian parliament, said that Russia had targeted MEPs, but also paid them. On 2 April, the Czech news portal Denik N reported, citing several ministers, that there are audio recordings of the German far-right politician Petr Bystron (MP, AfD ) that incriminate him of having accepted money. On 12 April, it became known that
3630-413: The support of a majority coalition) would see their candidate become President of the Commission. In 2014, the candidate of the largest group, Jean-Claude Juncker , was eventually nominated and elected as Commission President. European party leaders aimed to reintroduce the system in 2019, with them selecting lead candidates and organizing a televised debate between those candidates. In the aftermath of
3696-420: The system to be abandoned, while others called for it to be revived in the 2024 elections. In 2023, multiple political parties at the European level announced their intentions to nominate a main candidate. ECR and ID have rejected doing so. The centre-right EPP held its congress in Bucharest on 6–7 March 2024 to elect its presidential candidate and adopt its election programme. Nominees required
3762-412: The third most seats. In addition, a far-right group, Europe of Sovereign Nations , was formed, becoming the smallest group in the Parliament. In total, 187 MEPS (25% of Parliament) belonged to the hard-right which is more members than ever before in history. On 18 July 2024, Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected President of the European Commission in a secret ballot by the European Parliament . In
3828-400: The turnout, when 50.7% of eligible voters had cast a vote compared with 42.5% of the 2014 election . This was the first time that turnout had increased since the first European Parliament election in 1979 . In 2024, the Eurobarometer data shows that 71% of Europeans say they are likely to vote in June, 10% higher than those who said they would in 2019. Since the last European-wide election,
3894-415: Was EBU ’s Eurovision News Exchange distributed the feed to its public service media network of members. An initiative of Maastricht University , it was the third edition of the so-called "Maastrich Debate" All ten registered European Political parties were invited to the debate. The debate questions focused on three main themes: climate change , foreign and security policy, and EU democracy. During
3960-401: Was a far-right political group of the European Parliament , launched on 13 June 2019 for the Ninth European Parliament term. It comprised far right , right-wing populist , Eurosceptic and nationalist national parties from six European states. It was the successor to the Europe of Nations and Freedom group formed during the eighth term and almost all of its members merged into
4026-415: Was criticised by his political ally Sophie in 't Veld who questioned his "credibility". This timing was further criticised for potential disruptions it could cause, as Article 2(4) of the European Council's Rules of Procedure provide that, if its President leaves office early, he "shall be replaced, where necessary until the election of his or her successor, by the member of the European Council representing
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#17328583199684092-444: Was expelled from ID party, the party organized the 'Sofia Declaration' with the Republic Movement, Forum for Democracy , Our Homeland Movement , Alternative for Sweden and the Agricultural Livestock Party of Greece on 12 April 2024. The first debate was held on Monday, 29 April 2024 from 19:00 to 20:30 CET at the Theater aan het Vrijthof in Maastricht, Netherlands. It was hosted by Studio Europa Maastricht and Politico Europe and
4158-522: Was held in the European Union (EU) between 6 and 9 June 2024. It was the tenth parliamentary election since the first direct elections in 1979 , and the first European Parliament election after Brexit . A total of 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) were elected to represent more than 450 million people from 27 member states . This election also coincided with a number of other elections in some European Union member states. The European People's Party led by Ursula von der Leyen won
4224-512: Was stripped of her vice presidency. Other suspects in the case include Francesco Giorgi , the parliamentary assistant of MEP Andrea Cozzolino, Pier Antonio Panzeri , founder of the Fight Impunity NGO; Niccolo Figa-Talamanca, head of the No Peace Without Justice NGO; and Luca Visentini , head of the International Trade Union Confederation. Following the scandal, the European Parliament revised its rules of procedure and its code of conduct in September 2023 The European Parliament views Hungary as
4290-422: Was the third edition of the so-called " Eurovision Debate ". Invitations to the debate were sent by the EBU to the ten recognised European Political parties , with only one lead candidate allowed to be nominated from each of the seven Political groups of the European Parliament . On 7 May, EBU announced the candidates for the debate. Two parties, the ECR and ID, were considered by EBU not eligible to take part in
4356-503: Was then unable to secure support from other parties for Weber as candidate for President of the Commission. After initial deadlock, the European Council decided to nominate Ursula von der Leyen as a compromise candidate to be the new Commission President, and the European Parliament elected von der Leyen with 383 votes (374 votes needed). The commission as a whole was then approved by the European Parliament on 27 November 2019, receiving 461 votes. The 2019 election saw an increase in
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