Today, Europe is on the brink of a major transformation. The year 2024 represents a historic turning point. A number of important events are expected to take place on the continent this year. Of particular note are the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the 2024 European Parliament Elections, the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.
This year also marks a political turning point for Europe. The European Parliament Elections, which will take place on June 6-9, 2024, could witness one of the most contested elections in history, especially due to the rise of the far right. The first post-Brexit European Parliament Elections will shape the 720-member European Union (EU) institution and affect the political balance on the continent. Critical issues such as energy, inflation, post-pandemic economic recovery and the EU’s foreign policy are expected to come to the fore in these elections.[i]
Hungary’s preparation for the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2024 may cause some tensions within the EU. It remains to be seen how Hungary, known for its relations with the EU and its different stances on democratic principles, media freedom and other issues, will behave during this presidency.
Georgia’s parliamentary elections in October 2024 will also affect the balance in the region. The election results of Georgia, which has gained EU candidate status, will also affect its policies on harmonization with the EU and its policies in neighboring countries.
On the other hand, 2024 will witness the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which Paris will host for the third time. From July 26 to August 11, 2024, this event will bring together the world’s most talented athletes and make Paris a focal point for sports enthusiasts. But with countries like Russia and Belarus subject to certain restrictions, this major sporting event could be the scene of some political tensions.
A critical meeting for the future of Europe will be the fourth summit of the European Political Community (EPC). Chaired by President Macron, the summit will bring together EU member and candidate countries, EFTA members, Azerbaijan and Armenia, providing an important platform to coordinate Europe’s foreign policy. The main objective is not thought to be the framing of Europe’s new security architecture, which makes the summit important as it unfolds.[ii]
The G7 Summit in 2024 is also of critical importance. At this summit, which will take place in Italy, international leaders will address economic, political and environmental issues. The summit, which will be led by Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, will focus on finding solutions, especially on migration.[iii]
Finally, the upcoming elections in the UK will also have far-reaching implications for the future of Europe. These elections, which are expected to be dominated by the Labor Party, may lead to a change in the UK’s post-Brexit relations with the EU. While the European Union is facing a crisis of internal unity after Brexit, global economic changes and technological advances have taken the continent by storm. While the future seems to be full of political, economic and cultural challenges, these events also reflect Europe’s efforts to overcome them in unity and solidarity. The year 2024 is likely to be a year of great debate for Europe.
[i] Lara BULLENS–Elie SAIKALI, “A Lookahead For 2024: US Elections, Paris Olympics, COP 29 And More”, France 24, https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240101-a-lookahead-for-2024-us-elections-paris-olympics-cop-29-and-more, (Erişim Tarihi: 04.01.2024).
[ii] “14 Major Events That Could Shape Europe And The World in 2024”, Global Europe, https://globaleurope.eu/europes-future/14-major-events-that-could-shape-europe-and-the-world-in-2024/, (Erişim Tarihi: 04.01.2024).
[iii] Nathalie Tocci, “Will the Hard Right Really Sweep Europe in 2024? If It Does, Here’s What Could Happen”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/14/hard-right-europe-2024-ukraine-climate-election-us, (Erişim Tarihi: 04.01.2024).
