The European Union is set to relax its rules on debt levels, allowing countries like France and Italy more leeway in the amount of debt they can incur. Paraphrase: EU to Ease Rules on Debt Levels, Allowing France and Italy More Freedom in Incurring Debt - The Netherlands initiates the European elections process.
The voting process for the European Parliament begins today in the Netherlands. With 13.5 million Dutch citizens eligible to participate, this is the first step in a series of elections across the EU. In the coming days, voters from other 26 member states will also cast their ballots. After the Netherlands, Ireland and the Czech Republic are set to follow, with Italy, Latvia, Malta, and Slovakia succeeding them.
Most EU citizens will vote this Sunday, including millions of Germans. Polling stations will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm - the same as for federal elections. For the first time, 16-year-olds in Germany are eligible to vote in a European election.
The results of this election hold significant weight, as the composition of the European Parliament can affect the development of new EU laws. The assembly, for instance, took part in deciding controversial issues such as the ban on internal combustion engines and key nature and climate protection laws. They also have a significant influence on the distribution of funds, including the EU's multi-billion-euro agricultural funding.
However, it's important to note that not everything relies solely on the outcome of the European elections. While the Parliament debates and votes on these proposals, the EU states must also approve them through the Council, where representatives of the member countries' governments make decisions. Hence, the Parliament's decision doesn't directly determine the majority relationships in this institution.
Ursula von der Leyen expected to win a second term
The future composition of the European Commission could be influenced by the European Parliament. This organization holds the sole right to suggest legal acts, which are then negotiated between the Parliament and the member states. If a candidate for the commission presidency isn't nominated by a political family, their chances of being elected are slim.
Currently, the frontrunner for the Commission presidency is Ursula von der Leyen, the German leader of the EU Commission. Other potential candidates, such as Luxembourg's Social Democrat Nicholas Schmit or German Green politician Terry Reintke, are seen as less likely to win. The possibility of French President Emmanuel Macron nominating former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi as an alternative to von der Leyen has also been suggested, although his chances are questionable.
Given the evidence that only a candidate from a known political family has ever been elected, it's hard to imagine the Parliament accepting a nominee who hasn't been proposed by one before. In 2019, von der Leyen had to fight until the very end to secure her victory in the Parliament and gained nine more votes than needed.
No results until Sunday
Early projections for the Netherlands are expected at 9:00 pm this evening. The populist Geert Wilders' radical right-wing Party for Freedom (PVV) is predicted to have the most votes, followed by the combined forces of the social democratic party of labor and the Greens. Five years ago, Wilders only claimed a single seat in the Brussels parliament; however, he won the election in his home country in November and is now forming a coalition with three other right-wing parties.
In Germany, recent polls suggest a clear victory for the CDU and CSU. The AfD would take the second spot, followed by the SPD and the Greens. However, Germans won't see these results until all polling stations across all EU countries are closed on Sunday night.
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- In the upcoming European elections, the Netherlands is kickstarting the voting process for the European Parliament.
- After the Dutch elections, Ireland and the Czech Republic are scheduled to participate in the European elections.
- Furthermore, Italy, Latvia, Malta, and Slovakia will follow suit in the ensuing days of the voting process.
- The European elections in various European countries, including Latvia, will take place on Sunday.
- Germany, a key member of the EU, will also join the European elections this Sunday.
- Dutch politician Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) is predicted to perform well in the Netherlands' European elections.
- In the European elections, Ursula von der Leyen, the German leader of the EU Commission, is expected to vie for a second term.
- The Czech Republic, participating in the European elections, shares borders with nine other EU countries.
- Slovakia, a part of the EU for over a decade, will cast its votes in the European Parliament elections this year.
