European Parliament Set for Rightward Turn Following Final Vote Results

**EU Elections Signal Rightward Shift Amidst Growing Euroscepticism**

Brussels, May 2024 – The European Union is on the cusp of a political sea change as voters in 21 countries, including powerhouses France and Germany, wrap up a pivotal four-day European Parliament election this Sunday. The anticipated outcome is a significant tilt to the right, with a surge in eurosceptic nationalist representation, marking a potential realignment of the bloc’s future direction.

This election, crucial for the EU’s 450 million citizens, is set to influence how the bloc addresses pressing issues such as relations with a belligerent Russia, escalating industrial competition from China and the US, climate change, and the complexities of immigration.

With the majority of votes being cast today, including in key nations like Poland and Spain, and Italy continuing its voting process, the European Parliament is poised to release an EU-wide exit poll by 2030 CET, followed by a provisional result later in the evening.

Opinion polls leading up to the election have forecasted a decline for pro-European liberals and Greens, potentially eroding the traditional majority held by the centre-right and centre-left. This shift could complicate legislative processes and efforts towards further European integration.

The election comes at a time when many EU citizens are grappling with a cost of living crisis, migration concerns, and the financial burdens of transitioning to green energy, amidst the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict. Far-right and hardline parties have capitalized on these issues, offering alternatives to the mainstream political narrative.

In particular, the European Greens and the liberal Renew Europe group are expected to face setbacks, with Marine Le Pen’s far-right Rassemblement National predicted to outperform French President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party. Similarly, in the Netherlands, nationalist Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration Freedom Party has made significant gains, reflecting a broader continental trend.

Belgium, concurrently holding federal and regional elections, is also anticipated to see a surge in support for the far-right Flemish separatist party Vlaams Belang, although it is likely to remain excluded from government by other parties.

Despite the rightward drift, the centre-right European People’s Party is projected to maintain its position as the largest group in the European Parliament. This could place Ursula von der Leyen, the incumbent European Commission President, in a favorable position for reappointment, albeit potentially reliant on support from right-wing nationalists like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy.

This election not only reflects the EU’s current political climate but also sets the stage for the bloc’s legislative priorities over the next five years, with implications for climate policy, EU enlargement, and immigration reform.

Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Alex Richardson.