I was first elected as a pro-EU Conservative for a Yorkshire UK constituency in 1984. I fought no fewer than six more Euro-elections, mostly as a member of the Christian Democrat/Conservative European Peoples Party group.
But when David Cameron, then UK premier, formed a new nationalist Conservatives and Reformists group after the 2009 Euro-election, I protested by standing successfully as an independent vice-president of the European parliament – the first. I was also the last UK vice-president (that is, until we rejoin the EU).
A time of upheaval and a changing political landscape
As Europe approaches June 6–9, the date of the EU-wide elections, the continent is visibly alive with political activity. The European elections of 2024 are not just another routine political event; they are a pivotal moment for the EU, set against a backdrop of global upheaval and internal challenges.
The elections come at a time when Europe and the European Union is grappling with the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the economic aftershocks of Brexit – felt not only in the UK – and the ongoing tensions with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. These issues have brought defence and security to the forefront of the political debate, with an EU-wide survey showing that these are among the key issues for voters.
The political landscape of Europe has been shifting, with traditional centrist parties facing challenges from both the right and the left. The rise of right-wing populism has been a particular concern, with leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán calling for a change at the top and advocating against Ukraine’s potential membership in the EU or NATO.
This sentiment reflects a broader scepticism about the direction of the EU and its policies.
Protecting democracy in the EU
The elections are also a test of the EU’s commitment to democracy and its values. I founded the EU’s Democracy and Human Rights Initiative, still at €2bn per year the world’s largest and the only EU programme that can operate without host-country consent: thus it can and does operate in totalitarian countries like China, Cuba or Russia. With various local and regional elections taking place in the same period, voters will cast their ballots based on a mix of national and European issues, including purchasing power, defence, immigration, financial insecurity, agriculture, housing, and education.
Campaigning is more intense than usual, with parties and candidates using digital platforms to reach out to voters. Social media, virtual town halls, and online debates have become crucial tools for engaging with the electorate, especially the younger demographic. The EU has also made efforts to ensure that the elections remain free and fair, with measures in place to combat misinformation and electoral interference: it is known to the UK’s Electoral Commission that Russia was a malign influence in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
The elections will also influence the appointment of key EU leaders, including the president of the European Commission – it is assumed that Ursula von der Leyen will continue in office – and the entire College of Commissioners. Since 1999, when I caused the resignation en masse of the commissioners after allegations of financial abuse were upheld by an inquiry, they are now careful in their dealings with the European parliament.
In the EU as in the UK, voting matters
As the election is only weeks away, the EU is encouraging its citizens to exercise their right to vote. The message is clear: every vote counts, and every voter is part of Europe’s present and future. The youth vote is especially precious – I write as the grandparent of new voters.
In conclusion, the European elections of June 6–9, 2024, are a critical juncture for the EU. They offer a chance for citizens to voice their opinions on the direction they want the EU to take. As the continent looks towards these elections, the hope is that they will bring about a renewed commitment to unity, democracy, and prosperity for all Europeans.
With a little courageous guidance, it is a future the UK could share.
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