The European Parliament is the only directly elected EU body, and 373 million citizens are eligible to vote from June 6-9. The Parliament negotiates EU laws, approves budgets, and oversees the European Commission, comprising 720 members elected every five years. In 2019, voter turnout reached 50.66%, the highest in 20 years, with significant gains for smaller parties.
The European Parliament (EP) is the only directly elected body of the EU. Approximately 373 million citizens from 27 EU member states are eligible to vote between June 6-9.
The EP negotiates EU laws, approves budgets, and has oversight over the European Commission. It comprises 720 members elected every five years.
In most states, the voting age is 18, except in Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Malta (16), Greece (17), and Hungary (married individuals).
EU citizens can vote from abroad except in some states. Candidates can be individual or party delegates, but some countries impose restrictions.
Six in 10 EU citizens plan to vote. Projections suggest the centre-right European People's Party will win 180 out of 720 seats.
The 2019 elections saw a shift with smaller parties gaining ground and the highest turnout in two decades at 50.66%.