Voting for the European Parliament enters final day as polls open in 20 EU countries

Polls opened on Sunday in 20 European Union countries, marking the beginning of a crucial election that will determine the composition of the European Parliament for the next five years. From Sweden to Portugal, citizens will cast their ballots to elect 720 members of the parliament, with seats allocated based on population size.

The elections come at a challenging time for the EU, with concerns about a potential shift to the political right that could impact the bloc’s ability to make decisions amid ongoing conflicts and rising anti-migrant sentiment. Populist and far-right parties have gained traction in several EU nations since the last election in 2019, leading governments in countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and Italy.

As the results of the elections unfold, there is uncertainty about the future direction of the EU and its leadership. Key positions within the European Commission, European Council, and EU foreign policy chief will be up for grabs, with national governments vying to secure top roles for their officials.

Despite the importance of the European Parliament in shaping EU policies and budgets, political campaigning often revolves around national issues rather than broader European interests. Mainstream and pro-European parties are expected to retain their majority in parliament, but the hard right is projected to make gains, potentially reshaping the political landscape in the EU.

The outcome of the elections will have far-reaching implications for the EU’s future direction and its ability to address pressing challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic, economic downturn, and energy crisis. As the votes are counted and results are announced, the world will be watching closely to see how the political landscape in Europe evolves in the coming years.