European Elections Results and Next Steps

Between 6 and 9 June, European citizens voted to elect their representatives in the European Parliament. The results determine what the new European Parliament will look like and who will head the new European Commission. There was a record high voter turnout in these elections, and results show a surge in support for right-wing parties, although the pro-European centre block maintained a stronghold. The Good Lobby has analysed the Manifestos of Political Groups of the EP and what they say with regards to the social inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities. Check it out here.

Following these elections, French President Emmanuel Macron announced snap legislative elections in France, on 30th of June and 7th July. This has caused a political deadlock in France, leading to further uncertainty for the coalition building at European level, which will be an ongoing process expected to last until September. During the weeks after the elections, the newly-elected MEPs form political groups according to shared political beliefs. 

At their summit on 27 June 2024, the leaders of EU countries proposed Ursula von der Leyen as Commission President for a second term. On the same day, former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa was elected as President of the European Council; he should take office on 1 December. The nominee for High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is Kaja Kallas, current Estonian Prime Minister. In coming weeks and months, EPR will continue to monitor the situation and do a stakeholder mapping of key persons to engage with, also as the parliament Committees are decided.

The new legislative term will begin with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) resuming work on legislative files that were not finished in the 2019-2024 term. Once the new Commission is formed, it will also start putting forward new legislative proposals that Parliament will have the opportunity to examine and amend.