European Parliament Election of 2014

The European Parliament election of 2014, which concluded on May 25, marked a significant event in the history of the European Union (EU) as it was the largest transnational election ever conducted. This election was pivotal not only due to its scale but also because of its implications for the political landscape of Europe.

Context and Background

The European Parliament is one of the key legislative bodies of the EU, and its members (MEPs) are directly elected by EU citizens. The 2014 election was the eighth such election since the first direct elections in 1979. It was held across all 28 member states of the EU, with voting taking place over four days from May 22 to May 25.

Key Features

• Voter Turnout: The election saw a voter turnout of approximately 42.6%, a slight increase from the previous election in 2009, which had a turnout of 43%. This was notable given the general trend of declining participation in European elections.

• Seats and Representation: A total of 751 seats were contested. The allocation of seats was based on the population of each member state, with Germany having the most seats at 96, and smaller countries like Malta having 6.

• Spitzenkandidaten Process: For the first time, the election was influenced by the “Spitzenkandidaten” process, where European political parties nominated lead candidates for the position of President of the European Commission. This aimed to increase the democratic legitimacy of the Commission’s President.

Results and Political Impact

• Rise of Eurosceptic Parties: The election was marked by a significant rise in support for Eurosceptic and far-right parties. Notably, the UK Independence Party (UKIP) in the United Kingdom and the National Front in France achieved major victories, reflecting growing public discontent with the EU in certain regions.

• Mainstream Parties: Despite the rise of Eurosceptic parties, the European People’s Party (EPP) remained the largest party in the Parliament, followed by the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D). However, both saw a reduction in their share of seats compared to previous elections.

• Jean-Claude Juncker: As a result of the Spitzenkandidaten process, Jean-Claude Juncker, the lead candidate of the EPP, was nominated and subsequently elected as the President of the European Commission.

Aftermath and Significance

The 2014 European Parliament election was a turning point in EU politics. It highlighted the growing influence of Eurosceptic parties and the challenges facing the EU in terms of integration and public perception. The election also underscored the importance of democratic processes within the EU, as evidenced by the Spitzenkandidaten initiative, which aimed to make the selection of the Commission President more transparent and democratic.

This election set the stage for future debates on the EU’s direction, governance, and the balance between national sovereignty and European integration. It also foreshadowed significant political developments, including the Brexit referendum in 2016.

Overall, the 2014 European Parliament election was a landmark event that reflected the complexities and evolving dynamics of European politics in the 21st century.