The European Parliament elections have recently drawn significant attention due to the remarkable surge in right-wing parties across the continent. This political shift reflects broader societal trends and undercurrents, highlighting widespread discontent with traditional centrist parties and growing concerns over issues such as immigration, national sovereignty, and economic disparity. The rise of these right-wing factions poses profound implications for the future of European integration, policymaking, and the balance of power within the EU. As voters increasingly gravitate towards populist and nationalist rhetoric, the European political landscape is experiencing a transformative phase that merits close analysis and understanding.
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Why in the news?
- The recent European Parliament elections, in which around 51% of over 370 million eligible voters from 27 EU nations voted, showed a surge in support for right-wing and far-right parties, leading in losses for largely left-leaning and liberal parties.
What is the European Parliament?
- The European Parliament is a fundamental institution of the European Union (EU), directly elected by citizens from its 27 member states.
- 19 of these countries use EURO as their official currency. 8 EU members (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Sweden) do not use the euro.
- It provides democratic legitimacy to EU decisions and policies. The Parliament is composed of 720 seats allocated through a system of degressive proportionality.
- This approach ensures that smaller member states elect a proportionally higher number of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) than their populations might otherwise dictate.
What are the Objectives of the EU?
- Achieve sustainable development based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive market economy with full employment and social progress, and environmental protection.
- Promote peace, values, and the well-being of all EU citizens.
- Offer freedom, security, and justice without internal borders.
- Combat social exclusion and discrimination.
- Promote scientific and technological progress.
- Enhance economic, social, and territorial cohesion and solidarity among EU countries.
- Respect the rich cultural and linguistic diversity within the EU.
- Establish an economic and monetary union with the euro as its currency.
Eligibility Conditions for Voting in European Parliament Elections:
Voting Age Requirements:
- In 21 member states, individuals aged 18 and above are eligible to vote.
- Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Malta have a minimum voting age of 16.
- In Greece, individuals who turn 17 during the election year are eligible to vote.
- In Hungary, married individuals can vote regardless of their age.
EU Voting Abroad Rules:
- EU citizens have the right to vote either in their country of origin or from abroad.
- Voting from abroad is permitted in all member states except Czechia, Ireland, Malta, and Slovakia.
- In Bulgaria and Italy, this right is applicable only to EU citizens residing within the EU.
- Citizens residing in another EU country can choose to vote for candidates either from their country of origin or from their country of residence.
One-Country Voting Rule:
- Voters must decide which country’s Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) they will vote for.
- It is not permissible to vote in elections for MEPs from more than one country simultaneously.
Eligibility of Candidates in European Parliament Elections:
- Selection of Candidates: Candidates must be citizens of a European Union (EU) member state. Voters have the option to vote for individual candidates or for political parties’ lists of candidates, depending on the electoral system of each member state.
- Alignment in European Parliament: Once elected, MEPs align themselves with political groups in the European Parliament based on their ideological and political orientations.
- Restrictions: Elected MEPs are prohibited from concurrently holding positions in national governments or other EU institutions such as the European Commission.
MEP Allocation:
- MEP allocation follows the principle of degressive proportionality, where MEPs from larger countries represent more constituents than those from smaller countries.
- Each EU member state is guaranteed a minimum of six MEPs, while the maximum number any country can have is capped at 96
Major Players in the New European Parliament:
- European People’s Party (EPP): A centre-right political group advocating for Christian democratic and conservative values. Traditionally one of the largest groups in the Parliament.
- Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D): A centre-left group promoting social democracy and progressive policies. Historically a major force in the Parliament.
- Renew Europe: A liberal-centrist group focusing on pro-European integration, market economy, and individual freedoms.
- Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA): A coalition of green and regionalist parties advocating for environmental sustainability, social justice, and regional autonomy.
- European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR): A conservative group promoting Eurosceptic and reformist policies, advocating for national sovereignty and decentralisation.
- Identity and Democracy (ID): A right-wing populist and Eurosceptic group emphasising national sovereignty, immigration control, and cultural conservatism.
- Left Group (GUE/NGL): A left-wing group advocating for socialist, communist, and other progressive ideologies, focusing on social justice, workers’ rights, and environmental sustainability.
Impacts of Election Results:
EU Policy Direction:
- Election results influence the EU’s approach to critical issues such as climate change, migration, and international relations.
- Shifts in parliamentary composition may lead to adjustments in policy priorities and strategies.
Rise of Right-Wing and Far-Right Parties:
- The electoral success of right-wing and far-right parties can prompt a more conservative stance on certain policies within the EU.
- These parties often advocate for stricter immigration policies and emphasise national sovereignty over EU integration.
National Political Landscape:
- Election outcomes can impact the stability of national governments across Europe.
- For example, poor electoral performances in European Parliament elections have led leaders like Emmanuel Macron to consider strategic responses, such as calling for snap polls to shore up domestic support.
Broader Political Trends:
- The composition of the European Parliament reflects broader political trends in Europe, including concerns over immigration, national identity, and scepticism towards certain EU policies.
Pressure on Centre-Right Parties:
- Increased electoral competition from right-wing factions has pressured traditional centre-right parties to adopt more stringent positions on immigration.
How Cordial are EU’s Relations with India?
Financial Relations:
- The EU emerged as India’s third-largest trading partner in 2021.
- EU foreign direct investment (FDI) in India reached €87 billion in 2020.
- Approximately 15% of Indian exports were directed to the EU in 2021.
- Trade in goods and services between India and the EU amounted to €95.5 billion in 2020.
- The European Investment Bank (EIB) has invested over €3 billion in infrastructure, energy, and climate projects in India.
Strategic Partnerships:
- EU-India Joint Declarations have been adopted to strengthen cooperation on connectivity, water, and resource efficiency, emphasising a circular economy approach.
- In 2023, the EU and India launched a Trade and Technology Council, focusing on digital transformation and green technologies.
Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation:
- Under the Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe), India is slated to receive €90 million in grant funding for the period 2021-2027.
- India also benefits from various multi-country EU programs aimed at fostering development and cooperation in the region
Conclusion:
Thus, the outcome of the European Parliament elections indicates a growing influence of right-wing parties, influencing EU policies on immigration and other critical issues. This may also have ramifications for national politics, potentially impacting the stability of leadership positions.
Source: IE
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the European Parliament election?
The European Parliament election is crucial as it determines the composition of the European Parliament, which plays a key role in the legislative process of the European Union (EU). The Parliament has powers over EU budget approval, legislative amendments, and oversight of other EU institutions. The election reflects the political climate in Europe and influences the direction of EU policies on issues such as trade, immigration, and environmental regulations.
2. Why are right-wing parties gaining prominence in European Parliament elections?
Right-wing parties are gaining prominence due to various factors:
- Economic Discontent: Economic challenges, unemployment, and austerity measures have led to voter dissatisfaction with traditional parties.
- Immigration: Concerns over immigration and cultural integration have driven support for right-wing parties advocating stricter immigration controls.
- National Sovereignty: A pushback against perceived EU overreach and a desire for greater national sovereignty resonate with voters.
- Identity Politics: Rising nationalist sentiments and identity politics are fueling the support for parties that emphasize national identity over multiculturalism.
3. How might the rise of right-wing parties impact EU policy-making?
The rise of right-wing parties can significantly impact EU policy-making by:
- Shifting Policy Priorities: Right-wing parties may prioritize policies on border control, national sovereignty, and reduction of EU bureaucracy.
- Legislative Stalemate: Increased representation of right-wing parties can lead to more fragmented parliaments, making consensus and legislation more difficult.
- Influence on Mainstream Parties: Mainstream parties may adopt tougher stances on issues like immigration to counter the right-wing narrative and retain voter support.
4. What are the potential consequences of increased right-wing influence in the European Parliament for EU unity?
Increased right-wing influence can have several consequences for EU unity:
- Policy Divergence: Divergent policy priorities can lead to conflicts and impede cohesive policy-making.
- Strain on Integration Efforts: Pushback against deeper integration initiatives may slow down or reverse efforts to enhance EU cohesion.
- Rise in Euroscepticism: Right-wing parties often harbor Eurosceptic views, which can increase public skepticism about the EU and fuel movements advocating for exiting the EU.
5. What measures can be taken to address the rise of right-wing parties in the European Parliament?
To address the rise of right-wing parties, several measures can be considered:
- Economic Reforms: Implementing economic policies that promote growth and reduce inequality can address some voter discontent.
- Immigration Policies: Developing balanced immigration policies that ensure security while promoting integration can mitigate immigration concerns.
- Enhancing EU Engagement: Improving communication about the benefits of the EU and increasing public engagement in EU decision-making can counteract Euroscepticism.
- Addressing Root Causes: Tackling issues such as unemployment, social inequality, and cultural integration at their roots can reduce the appeal of right-wing populism.
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