News
25.06.2009
The bitter aftertaste of the European Elections
The European Elections held on the 7th of June were marked by the lowest turnout since their inception 30 years ago. Only 43% of the voters in the 27 member states of the EU voted. Perhaps more disturbingly nationalist parties secured sizeable results across the continent, notably in Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Netherlands, Romania and the UK.
Although it was expected that the economic crisis would negatively impact the outcome of the elections, the combined effect of a low turnover and a steep increase of support towards nationalist parties fundamentally challenges the European project. Europe must not lose touch with its citizens nor decline the responsibility to instill a shared feeling of proximity and familiarity amongst them. This is easier said than done but Europe must, to overcome trends like those which have become so blatant on the election to the European Parliament, become genuinely citizen-centered.
Results of the European Elections