The upcoming EU Elections 2024: Your Essential Guide!

What do we know about the upcoming elections to the European Parliament? We from Europe Direct Stockholm have summarized the most important information.

WHY SHOULD I VOTE?
The European Parliament election is upon us and will take place between June 6th and 9th, 2024, in all EU member states. The election is a unique opportunity where EU citizens have the opportunity to choose which parliamentarians should be represented. However, despite the importance of the election, voter turnout is not as high as desired. Historically, voter turnout in EU elections in Sweden has been significantly lower compared to national elections.

The EU represents a powerful bloc of 450 million Europeans, and the European Parliament is one of EU’s most crucial institutions. Therefore, it’s important to vote to make your voice heard. The Parliament passes laws that affect everyone, with many national laws influenced by decisions made at the EU level. Voting is also a democratic right, and by voting, democracy within the EU is strengthened. Even if you are eurosceptic, voting is an opportunity to influence and express your views.

ABOUT THE ELECTIONS
The European Parliament election is held every five years and takes place on different days depending on the member state. In Sweden, the election will take place on June 9th, 2024. Find out where your nearest polling station is or how the voting process works here. Similar to national elections, in the EU elections you vote for Swedish political parties that collaborate within different party groups in the European Parliament. Currently, Swedish parties are represented in six out of the seven party groups in the European Parliament.

In total, 720 parliamentarians will be elected, of which 21 will come from Sweden. The system is based on ‘degressive proportionality.’ Countries with larger populations get more parliamentarians than those with smaller populations. For example, Germany, with the highest population, has 96 seats, while Malta, the member state with the lowest population, has 6 seats.

The European Parliament is the institution where citizens have direct influence, and EU citizens who live in another EU country have the right to vote and stand for election in that country. Unlike national elections, you don’t need to be a citizen of Sweden to vote. Instead, being an EU citizen living in Sweden is sufficient.

MUCF AND SCHOOL ELECTIONS
Parallel to the European Parliament election, the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society Affairs (MUCF) organizes a school election open to all secondary and high schools in Sweden. Historically, turnout has been high in the school elections organized by MUCF, with, for example, 500,000 students participating in the latest school election in 2022. By organizing school elections, it contributes to being one of Sweden’s largest democratization efforts for young people. Additionally, school elections provide an opportunity for young people to discuss the EU, democracy, and politics in schools. Read more about the school elections here.

In summary, the European Parliament election is an opportunity for EU citizens to influence the future of the European Union. Voting is the best way to exercise your democratic rights and strengthen democracy within the EU. School elections, as organized by MUCF, are also important in getting young people interested in EU matters and democracy.

TIP! Register now to receive reminders about the election so you don’t forget to use your vote. The more people who vote, the stronger democracy becomes. Register here to get a reminder!”