Small parties can join the European Parliament due to the absence of a hindrance stipulation.
Unlike in Germany's Bundestag or state elections, there isn't a minimum threshold (minimum percentage of votes that must be earned to be represented in the European Parliament) during European elections. In theory, even a tiny fraction of the votes (less than one percent) could send a representative.
As per ARD and ZDF's estimations, Volt could potentially win 2-3 seats, while the Free Voters might secure the same amount depending on the calculation. The Animal Welfare Party could possibly get 1-2 seats, and the Family Party and ODP one each. Consistent forecasts predict that The Satire Party - Die Partei will receive two seats, similar to the 2019 European elections.
This wide range of representation in parliament is due to a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court in 2011. It determined that the five-percent threshold for European elections went against the fairness of political parties, making it unconstitutional. However, there are ongoing efforts to reinstate this threshold.
