The EU Parliamentary elections are held from 6 June to 9th and indicate significant changes in the political structure of the EU. France’s far-right party, Rassemblement National (RN), won 32% and secured 31 seats. Renaissance followed in second place with 15% and secured 14 seats. Consequently, French President Emmanuel Macron’s party secured less than half the seats compared to far-right RN.
PS-Place Publique got 14% and secured 13 seats; meanwhile, La France Insoumise (LFI) got 8.4% and secured eight seats. These results reflect France’s shift to the right and the rise of the populist parties.[1] Seeing the potential threat, Macron has dissolved the parliament and called for an early election on 30 June 2024. [2]
The successes of right and far-right parties indicate a similar trend throughout Europe. In Spain, Partido Popular secured 22 seats as the lead party, while in Italy, Giorgia Meloni’s party got the highest number of votes. These results underscore the rising influence of right-wing parties and the increasing power of center-right and right-populist parties. This situation might profoundly affect the EU’s internal dynamics and policies. If the far-right parties continue to gain power in general elections and gain positions in the government, this could be an issue for Europe’s future.
Even though the voter turnout has dramatically increased compared to past years, young voter turnout is lower than expected. As happened during Brexit, lower young voter turnout affected the election results. Regardless of how young individuals enjoy the EU’s advantages, such as the right to free movement, they are not eager to be involved in the voting process. This situation might lead to similar results for the upcoming elections and highlight the need to support young voters for the EU policies. Consequently, adopting policies or making statements for young voters, especially in key countries of Europe such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, might increase the courage of the young to vote.
Election results also shaped the power distribution of the parties. Significantly, the gain of right and center-right parties affected the balance in the European Parliament. This situation will be critical in both shaping and implementing future EU policies. Changes in internal policies in the EU might also affect the member states’ cooperation dynamics.
On the other hand, Europe’s economic policies might be affected by the election results. The rise of the right parties might shape the economic policies to be more protective and seek national interests. This might affect the EU trade policies and international agreements. Hence, implementing reforms and social policies might be subject to change.
Furthermore, after the elections, the policies of the EU Commission and other EU branches might change. The emerging political balance might affect the priorities and agenda of the commission. This might trigger some changes in the EU’s internal and external policies. Especially the need for new strategies for environmental, economic, and migration policies might occur.
Another point is that changes might happen in Africa, as well as the migration policies of the EU. The EU Parliamentary election results might significantly affect Africa and refugee policies. New political balance might shape the EU’s priorities and strategies in these areas. This situation might indicate essential changes in Europe’s international relations and internal dynamics.
The election results might affect the EU’s African policies even more. The rising power of the right parties might lead to more rigid and protective EU policies regarding Africa. Migration policies might be strictly shaped to control the migration flows to the EU. This situation might lead to conflicts between African countries and the EU, raising tensions for cooperation. Based on the interviews made by the far-right Le Pen in France, a policy of full repatriation for all refugees in the country is desired. This issue may have an impact on other countries and might lead to similar situations arising.
Europe might adopt a stricter stance towards immigration due to the changes in migration policies. The rise of right-wing parties might expedite the enforcement of anti-immigration policies and make the integration of immigrants more challenging. This situation paves the way for more criticism by human rights and refugee advocates, weakening Europe’s stance on this matter.
Changes may also be seen in Europe’s development plans and cooperation with Africa. Under the influence of right-wing parties, development plans and cooperation with Africa might decline. Hence, this might affect African countries’ social and economic development projects. In addition, it is probable that the EU might impose stricter terms in its trade deals with Africa.
On the other hand, the US might back the current ruling parties in response to the rise of far-right parties and populism. However, the US’s support could come with some demands in return. It might be said that the US would have more power over Europe’s governments, aligning with its interests. Furthermore, the US support for governments in some key countries may help suppress the far-right to some extent. However, it would be unlikely if Trump wins the upcoming elections which will be held at the end of 2024.
To conclude, the EU parliamentary election is a significant turning point that will impact the EU’s future policies and international role. Further, the emergence of right-wing and populist parties will shape EU policies, especially those regarding migration and African policies. The new political environment may reevaluate Europe’s position in an international sense and its internal policies. The rise of right-wing parties will significantly shift the EU’s approach to African relations and may result in significant policy changes. Stricter measures and limitations on refugee rights may become prevalent in migration policies. With this new political environment will shape Europe’s position on the international stage and its internal policies.
[1] François Blanchard, “Résultats Européennes 2024: Allemagne, Espagne, Pologne… Ce Qu’ont Voté Les Autres Pays De L’UE”, BFM TV, 9 June 2024, https://www.bfmtv.com/politique/elections/europeennes/resultats-europeennes-2024-allemagne-espagne-pologne-ce-qu-ont-vote-les-autres-pays-de-l-ue_AN-202406090488.html#:~:text=Les%20conservateurs%20espagnols%20arrivent%20légèrement,10%2C4%25%20des%20voix, (Date of Accession: 10.06.2024).
[2] Ariel Guez, “Dissolution De L’assemblée, Bardella En Tête”, BFM TV, 9 June 2024, https://www.bfmtv.com/politique/elections/europeennes/dissolution-de-l-assemblee-bardella-en-tete-ce-qu-il-faut-retenir-des-elections-europeennes_AV-202406090510.html, (Date of Accession: 10.06.2024).
