Populist and far-right parties have achieved record support in this year’s European Parliament elections, with the far-right Identity and Democracy group making significant gains. The early exit polls indicated a rise in votes for the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists as well. The center-right European People’s Party is projected to once again win the most parliamentary seats, with a slight increase in the lead. The liberal Renew Europe and the Greens/European Free Alliance are expected to lose a significant number of seats in comparison to the previous election.
The projection is based on a combination of exit polls, national estimates, and pre-election polling data, following a four-day vote across the EU’s 27 member states. The European Parliament holds a vital role in the EU, responsible for deciding on laws and budgets within the bloc. It is the only directly elected institution in the EU, with Members of European Parliament (MEPs) representing each member state and forming European party groups. The parliament consists of 720 seats, with more populous states such as Germany having a higher number of MEPs.
In the 2024 vote breakdown, the European People’s Party is expected to secure 181 seats, an increase from the previous 176. The Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats is projected to have 135 seats, down from 139, while Renew Europe is expected to have 82 seats, a decrease from 102. The European Conservatives and Reformists are set to have 71 seats, up from 69, and Identity and Democracy is expected to have 62 seats, up from 49. The Greens/European Free Alliance is projected to have 53 seats, down from 71, and The Left is expected to have 34 seats, down from 37.
With over 400 million eligible voters across the EU, the European Parliament elections are crucial in shaping the future of the EU. The outcome of the elections will impact legislation and policies within the bloc, with MEPs playing a significant role in decision-making processes. The distribution of seats in the parliament reflects the size of each member state, with Germany holding the highest number of MEPs at 96, and smaller states like Cyprus, Luxembourg, and Malta having six each.
These initial projections in the European Parliament elections highlight a shift towards populist and far-right parties gaining ground, while traditional center-right and liberal parties are seeing a decrease in support. The results indicate a changing political landscape within the EU, with implications for future policy-making and governance. As the incoming parliament takes shape, the distribution of seats and party dynamics will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the EU and addressing key issues facing the region.
