Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament (Source: European Parliament)
Discussion:
In small groups of 3 or 4, discuss the following issues:
- Until 1979, Members of the European Parliament were appointed. Since then, MEPs have been elected by citizens of EU countries. Which system do you think is more effective for allowing citizens to express their views in the European Parliament: direct election of MEPs by citizens, or appointments by EU institutions? Why?
- What do you think are some of the reasons why people would want to vote?
- In the most recent European Parliament elections in 2014, only 43 per cent of the eligible voters from the 28 EU countries voted. What do you think are some of the reasons why people would NOT want to vote?
To find out more, go to the European Elections FAQ.
Sources/Links:
European Elections 2014 | FR
UK Electoral Commission
Eurobarometer 2009 European Elections
Les élections européennes de 2004 : rapide rappel des enjeux et des résultats
EU elections seen as irrelevant, survey finds
NSD European Election Database
DID YOU KNOW…
That the European Parliament’s budget in 2003 was ONE BILLION Euros?
That the European Parliament’s budget includes staff costs, travel expenses, buildings, and translation of texts into the EP’s working languages?
You can now proceed to activity 6.