The European Parliament Elections took place over a period of 4 days from 4 to 7 June 2009. This was be the 7th time that the European Parliament is directly elected by the citizens of Europe, and as it happens, the largest-ever transnational democratic election in history, electing over 700 Members of the European Parliament to represent some 515 million EU citizens. Here is presented a series of briefing papers relating to the 2009 European Parliament elections.
Facts about the European Parliament Elections
The European Parliament Elections take place over a period of 4 days from 4 to 7 June 2009. This will be the 7th time that the European Parliament is directly elected by the citizens of Europe. This will be the largest ever transnational democratic election in history, electing over 700 Members of the European Parliament to represent some 515 million EU citizens. This Briefing Paper offers an outline and a brief history of the European Parliament Elections.
Read “Facts about the European Parliament Elections” (PDF – 170 KB)
Analysis of the Results of the European Parliament Elections
The European Parliament has shifted to the right with the European People’s Party winning a simple majority of seats. This makes it more likely that EPP-backed José Manuel Barroso will win a second term as European Commission President. With 35.9% of the vote EPP now have more seats than the Socialists (PES) and Liberals (ALDE) put together and remain the largest group.
The Socialists lost the biggest number of votes across Europe falling from 27.6% to 21.9%. Liberals (ALDE) also saw their vote fall, something which will disappoint their leader Graham Watson who is a candidate for the President of the European Parliament. The Greens (Greens/EFA) increased their vote and have become the fourth largest group in the European Parliament. The French Greens won 14 seats contributing to this significantly. Fringe parties tended to do well both on the far right and the far left.
Read “Analysis of the Results of the European Parliament Elections” (PDF – 77 KB)
Voter Turnout Trends of the European Parliament Elections
The following Briefing Paper shows in more detail the trends in voter turnout in different groups of Member States for the European parliament elections 2009.
Read “Voter Turnout Trends of the European Parliament Elections” (PDF – 62 KB)
Political Groups and their Parties in the European Parliament
The following Briefing Paper provides a list of the different political groups and their parties in the 2009 European Parliament election results.
Read “Political Groups and their Parties in the European Parliament” (PDF – 96 KB)
The European Parliament and the United Kingdom
In June 2009 citizens from all European Union Member states will directly elect a new European Parliament. The European Parliament is one of the three main bodies that make up the European Union. To truly represent European citizens it is important that citizens feel informed and empowered to vote in the European Parliament elections. This document covers some key information British citizens need to vote and lobby Member of European Parliament (MEP) candidates.
Read “The European Parliament and the United Kingdom” (PDF – 134 KB)
Quaker Involvement in the European Parliament Elections 2009
Is your Meeting interested in the 2009 elections to the European Parliament? The EU plays a major role in the lives of the almost 500 million citizens in 27 Member States. It isn’t perfect, but it is a strong democratic institution – one of history’s great achievements. We would like to invite you, as Quakers, to do something to push against Euro-apathy and help get the vote out on 4 June 2009.
Read “Quaker Involvement in the European Parliament Elections 2009” (PDF – 68 KB)
QCEA Advocacy Messages: the EU and Peacebuilding
Since September 11th 2001 the ‘war on terror’ has dominated international news and influenced foreign policy including the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Many European countries have been affected by the ‘war on terror’ and the culture of fear that has grown up as a result of it. The Quaker Peace Testimony sets out our commitment to a peaceful world. In light of the change in the US administration and the upcoming European Parliament elections, what can Friends do to ensure terrorism is addressed in a way that prioritises peace?
Read “QCEA Advocacy Messages: Terrorism” (PDF – 72 KB)
Read “QCEA Advocacy Messages: Peace and EU structures” (PDF – 57 KB)
Read “QCEA Advocacy Messages: The role of Civil Society” (PDF – 51 KB)