European Union citizens are gearing up to cast their votes in the upcoming elections to choose 720 new members of the European Parliament (MEPs) for the next five years. The elections, scheduled for June 6-9, will have a significant impact on the future of the 27-nation bloc.
The European Parliament plays a crucial role in shaping key policies that govern common European policies and the EU market of almost 450 million people. The newly elected MEPs will have a say in important issues such as the EU’s transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, industrial policy to compete with global powers like China and the United States, and the establishment of an EU energy union to stabilize energy prices.
Moreover, the election results will influence the selection of the next head of the European Commission, the executive arm responsible for proposing new EU laws. The political grouping that emerges victorious in the elections will have a strong argument for their candidate to lead the Commission.
The next European Parliament will also play a crucial role in deciding on the next EU budget for 2028-2034, which is currently around 1.1 trillion euros. Additionally, the parliament will have a say in shaping the future of the EU, including potential reforms to internal policies and decision-making processes to accommodate new member states like Ukraine.
As European citizens prepare to exercise their democratic right, the outcome of the elections will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future of the European Union.