International Elections June 2024 For EU (Part-3)

19) Malta : - The Elections for EU Parliament were held on 8^thJune 2024 for its 6 MEP Seats in EU.

 Main Parties : -

Labour Party (PL) : - Won 3 MEP Seats with about 45% Vote Share and Affiliated to S&D Group in EU Parliament.

Nationalist Party (PN) : - Won 3 MEP Seats with about 42% Vote share aligned with EPP Group within EU Parliament.

Summary of Malta Elections 2024 : - The Malta EU Parliament elections in June 2024 resulted in a narrow victory for the Labour Party (PL), which managed to secure a majority, albeit by a significantly reduced margin compared to previous elections. The PL won the election by a slim gap of 8,454 votes over the Nationalist Party (PN), marking a considerable decrease from the 42,656-vote lead they had in 2019. This out come was seen as a substantial blow to PL's dominance, which had been un challenged for a decade.

One of the most notable outcomes was the election of Roberta Metsola, who broke records by receiving 87,473 votes, surpassing the previous record held by Simon Busuttil. The voter turnout in Malta was one of the highest in the EU at 73%,but about 100,000 registered voters abstained from voting. This election was significant not only for the reduced majority but also because it reflected growing discontent among the electorate, with many voters expressing concerns over issues like corruption, environmental degradation, and economici equality.

Despite the victory, the PL acknowledged the electoral setback, with Prime Minister Robert Abela admitting that the party received strong messages from the electorate. The election results were seen as a turning point in Maltese politics, with a more competitive landscape emerging between the PL and PN.

The results have sparked discussions about the implications for Malta's political future, particularly regarding the growing appeal of independent candidates andsmaller parties, even though none managed to secure a seat this time.

20) Netherlands : - The Elections for EU Parliament were held on 6^thJune 2024 for its 31 MEP Seats in EU.

The results among the MainPolitical Parties wise In Netherlands were.

Green links PVDA (Left): - Won 8 MEP Seats with 29.9% Vote Sharealigned with greens/EFA Group and S&D Group in EU Parliament Group System.

Party for Freedom (PVV): - Won 7 MEP Seats with 23.5% Vote Shareaffiliated with ID Group which is now merged with PFE Group in EU.

Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD): - Won 4 MEP Seats with14.6% Vote Share affiliated to Renew Europe Group in EU.

Democrats 66 (V66): - Won 3 MEP Seats with 12.2% vote Share alignedwith EPP in EU Parliament Group System of Functioning.

Volt Netherlands: - Won 2 MEP Seats with 7.1%% Votes aligned with Greens/EFA Group in EU Parliament.

BBB Farmer Citizen Movement: - Won 2 MEP Seats with 6.8% Votes aligned with NI Non Attached or Non In scrits Group in EU.

Reformed Political Party SGP: - Won 1 MEP Seat with 4% Vote Share aligned with ECR Group in EU Parliament.

Party for Animals: - Won 1 MEP Seat with 4.0% Vote share aligned with the GUE/NGL Group in EU Parliament.

Christian Union: - Won 1 MEP Seat with 6.8% Votes affiliated to ECR in EU Parliament.

JA 21: - Won 1 MEP with 3.5% Votes aligned with ECR Group.

New Social Contact: - Won 1 Seat with 4 % Vote Share aligned with NonInscrits at the moment as they are taking their time to align with a Groups.

Summary of Netherlands EU Elections : - The Netherlands' EU Parliament elections in June 2024 were marked by significant voter sentiment and key outcomes that reflect broader trends in European politics. Some of the most rated outcome comments include:

Shift to the Right : There was a notable shift towards right-wing parties, with the far-right gaining more seats than in previous elections. This outcome reflects a broader European trend where right-wing and nationalist parties have been gaining traction, driven by concerns over immigration, sovereignty, and the European Union's policies.

GreenWave Continues: Despite the shift to the right, Green parties managed to hold or slightly increase their representation. Environmental issues remain a critical concern for a significant portion of the electorate, especially among younger voters.

Fragmentation of the Political Landscape : The elections further highlighted the fragmentation of the political landscape in the Netherlands, with no single party gaining a dominant position. This fragmentation suggests continued challenges in forming cohesive coalitions, both within the Netherlands and in the European Parliament.

Impact of the Ukraine War and Energy Crisis : The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the resulting energy crisis were key issues that influenced voter behavior. There was a strong focus on security, energy independence, and the EU's role in global geopolitics.

Lower Turnout among Youth : While issues like climate change are important to younger voters, turnout among this demographic was lower than expected. This has led to discussions about political engagement and the need to better address the concerns of younger generations.

These outcomes reflect the complex and evolving political dynamics with in Netherlands and across the European Union.

21) Poland : - The EU Parliament elections were held on 9^thJune 2024 for its 53 MEPs.

The Main parties wise results in Poland is as follows.

Civic Coalition : - Won 21 MEPs for 37.06% of Votes affiliated to EPP Group in EU Parliament.

Law and Justice : - Won 20 MEPs for 36.16% of Votes affiliated to ECR group in EU Parliament.

Confederation Liberty and Independence: - Won 6 MEPs with 12.08% votes affiliated to ESN and NI groups in EU Parliament.

Third way party : - Won 3 MEP Seats with 6.91% Votes affiliated to EPP and Renew Europe Groups in EU Parliament.

The Left party : - Won 3 MEP Seats with 6.30% Votes and affiliated to S&D Group in EU Parliament.

Non Partisan Localists : - No MEP Seats won with 0.93% votes and Affiliated to No European Parliament Groups.

Other Parties : - No MEP Seats won with 0.56% votes and affiliated to No European Parliament Groups.

Summary of Poland EU Elections 2024 : - The June 2024 European Parliament elections in Poland were highly significant and generated substantial discussion. Key out comes and comments focused on several areas.

Shifts in Political Power : The elections marked a notable shift in the balance of power among Poland's major political parties. The ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS) saw adec line in its support, while centrist and pro-European parties, including Civic Platform (PO) and the new coalition of pro-democratic forces, gained traction. This was seen as a reaction to domestic policies and the government's stance on European issues.

Increased Voter Turnout : Voter turnout was higher than in previous EU Parliament elections, reflecting heightened public interest and concern over Poland's role in the European Union, particularly in light of the ongoing discussions about Poland's rule of law and its relationship with the EU institutions.

Youth and Urban Vote : Younger voters and those in urban areas largely supported more progressive and pro-European parties. This demographic shift was seen as acritical factor in the electoral outcomes, signaling potential long-term changes in the Polish political landscape.

EU Relations and Rule of Law : Many commentators highlighted the election results as a mandate for Poland to improve its relationship with the EU, especially concerning issues of judicial independence and democratic norms. The outcome was interpreted by some as a pushback against the PiS government's contentious judicial reforms and its broader stance on EU integration.

Polarization : The elections also underscored the deep polarization in Polish society, with stark divides between rural and urban voters, as well as between older and younger generations. This polarization was evident in the election results, with clear geographical and demographic splits in voting patterns.

Overall, the 2024 European Parliament elections in Poland were seen as a critical moment for the country's future within the EU, reflecting both a desire for change among significant segments of the population and on going tensions within Polish society.‍

22) Portugal : - The EU Parliament Elections were Held on 9^thJune 2024 and the Main Parties wise results in Portugal were as follows for its 21 MEPs.

Socialist Party : - Won 8 MEP Seats with 32.1% vote share and affiliated to S&D group in EU Parliament of 2024.

Democratic Alliance Party : - Won 7 MEP Seats with 31.12% Affiliated to European People’s Party Group in EU Parliament.

CHEGA : - Won 2 MEP Seats with 9.79% Vote Share marking its first entry to European Parliament affiliated to ID Group which is Now PFE Group In EU Parliament.

Liberal Initiative : - Won 2 MEP Sets with 9.07% Votes and also affiliated to Renew Europe Group in EU Parliament.

Bloco De Esquerda (BE) : - Won 1 MEP Seat which is a decrease of 1 Seat obtaining 4.25% Vote Share and also affiliated to the Left in the European Parliament.

CDU : - A Coalition of Portuguese Communist Party and the Ecologist Party Greens won 1 MEP Seat which was also losing one MEP Seat from Earlier2019 EU parliament Elections with 4.12% Vote Share and is affiliated to the Left GUE/NGL in EU Parliament.

Summary of Portugal EU Parliament Elections 2024 : - The European Parliament elections in Portugal in June 2024 highlighted a significant shift in the country's political landscape, marked by increasing polarization and the rise of right-wing populism. The Democratic Alliance, a right-wing coalition led by the Social Democratic Party(PSD) and the Social Democratic Centre (CDS), narrowly won the election, but the most notable development was the strong performance of the populist Chega party, which secured a significant portion of the vote, further establishing it self as the third-largest party in Portugal.

This election underscored the deepening polarization within Portuguese politics, as both the left and right blocs exhibited increasing antipathy towards each other. Chega's success, in particular, has been seen as a sign of the waninginfluence of the traditional two-party system, possibly paving the way for amore fragmented and ideologically divided political landscape in the future.

Theoverall outcome of the elections reflected broader trends across Europe, wherepopulist and far-right parties made gains, challenging the traditional pro-EUparties and complicating the political dynamics within the European Parliament.Despite these gains, pro-EU parties retained a majority, although theirdifferences on key issues such as climate change, migration, and social policysuggest that governance within the EU will face considerable challenges movingforward.

23) Romania : - The EU Parliament Elections for 2024 Were Heldon 9^th June 2024 for its 33 MEPs.

Main Parties : -

Alliance PSD-PNL : - Won 19 Seats with 48.7% Vote Share and 11 MEP Seatsare affiliated to S&D Group and 8 Seats with EPP Group in EU Parliament.

Alliance for Union of Romanians (AUR) : - Won 6 MEP Seats with 14.9%Votes affiliated to ECR (European Conservatives and Reformists) Group in EUParliament.

United Right Alliance : - Won 3 Seats with 8.58% Vote Share affiliatedto Renew Europe Group in EU Parliament Group System.

Democratic alliance of Hungarians in Romania : - Won 2 Seats with 6.63%of Vote Share and affiliated to European Peoples Party Group or EPP in EUParliament.

SOS Romania : - Won 2 MEP Seats with 5.04% Vote Share and affiliated to NonAttached Members in EU Parliament Groups.

SNB : - Won 1 MEP Seat with 3.04% Vote Share and affiliated toGreens/EFA Group in the EU Parliament.

Summary of Romania EU Parliament Elections 2024 : - The June 2024 European Parliament elections in Romania were marked by a significant victory for the ruling PSD-PNL coalition, which secured 19 of Romania's 33 seats in the European Parliament. This out come under scored the dominance of the coalition, with the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) also making a strong showing by securing six seats. This far-right party's rise is notable, reflecting growing nationalist sentiments in the country.

The United Right Alliance, led by USR, was the biggest loser in this election, suffering a significant drop in support compared to previous elections. The coalition's poor performance highlighted the challenges faced by more moderate, pro-European parties in maintaining their voter base amidst a shifting political landscape.

Commentary on the election results pointed to a broader trend of increasing polarization in Romania, with nationalist and extremist forces gaining ground. This trendmirrors similar developments across Europe, where concerns over national sovereignty, economic stability, and dissatisfaction with the political elite have fueled support for more radical political movements.

Overall, while the election results reinforced the current governing coalition's position, they also signaled potential future challenges, as rising nationalism and dissatisfaction among voters could reshape Romania's political environment in the coming years.

24) Slovakia : - The EU Parliament Elections were Held on 8^thJune 2024 in Slovakia for its 15 MEPs.

The Results MainParties wise in Slovakia’s EU Parliament Elections were

Progressive Slovakia : - Won 6 MEP Seats with 27.81% Vote Share and is affiliated to Renew Europe in EU Parliament Group System.

Social Democracy Direction : - Won 5 MEP Seats with 24.76% Votes and affiliated to NI Group in EU Parliament Group System.

Republic : - Won 2 MEP Seats with 12.53% Vote Share and is affiliated to NI Group in EU Parliament Group System.

Social Democracy Voice : - Won 1 MEP Seat with 7.18% Vote Share and is affiliated to NI Group in EU Parliament Group system.

CDM KDH : - Won 1 MEP Seat with 7.14% Vote Share and is affiliated to European People’s Party Group in EU Parliament Group System.

Summary of Slovakia EU Parliament Elections 2024 : - The June 2024 European Parliament elections in Slovakia were marked by a significant increase in voter turnout, with 34.5% of eligible voters participating, the highest since Slovakia joined the EU. The results reflected the polarized nature of Slovak politics, with two main parties—Progressive Slovakia (PS) and Smer-SD—dominating the vote.

Progressive Slovakia, a socially liberal and pro-European party, won the most seats, securing 27.8% of the vote. This was a substantial increase from previous elections, driven by strong mobilization against the ruling Smer-SD, which focused its campaign on national sovereignty and opposition to EU policies perceived as warmongering.

Smer-SD, led by Robert Fico, also performed well, receiving 24.8% of the vote. Fico's party capitalized on a highly charged political environment following an assassination attempt on him earlier in the year. His party's messaging, which combined calls for peace and criticism of the EU, resonated with a significant portion of the electorate.

Thefar-right Republika party also made notable gains, securing third place. Their success highlighted a shift within the far-right spectrum, consolidating votes from smaller nationalist factions that had lost ground in recent years.

Overall, the election outcomes underscored the deep divisions within Slovak society, with voters rallying behind either progressive or nationalist platforms.

25) Slovenia : - The EU Parliament Elections were held in Slovenia on 9^th June 2024 and the Main Parties wise results were like the following for its 9 MEPs.

Slovenian Democratic Party : - Won 4 MEP Seats with 30.65% Vote Share and affiliati on is to EPP which is European People’s Party Group in EU Parliament Group System.

Freedom Movement : - Won 2 MEP Seats with 22.15% Vote Share and is affiliated to Renew Europe Group in EU Parliament.

Green Party : - Won 1 MEP Seat with 10.52% Vote Share and affiliated to Greens/EFA alliance Group in EU Parliament.

Social Democrats : - Won 1 MEP Seat with 7.72% Votes and affiliated to S&D Group in EU Parliament Group System.

New Slovenia : - Won 1 MEP Seat with 7.66% Vote Share and affiliated toEuropean People’s Party.

Summary of Slovenia EU Parliament Elections 2024 : - The Slovenia EU Parliament Elections in June2024 were marked by significant shifts in the political landscape, reflectingbroader European trends. The most notable outcome was the strong performance ofthe Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), which won four out of Slovenia's nineseats in the European Parliament. This result was seen as a referendum on thecurrent government's performance, particularly targeting the unpopularity ofPrime Minister Robert Golob’s Freedom Movement, which secured two seats.

Theelections also underscored the growing polarization within Slovenian politics,with the SDS focusing on issues like immigration and dissatisfaction with thecurrent government's handling of various domestic issues. The emergence of newparties, such as Vesna – the Green Party, which secured one seat, highlightedthe increasing importance of environmental issues in Slovenian politics.

Theresults were also a reflection of broader European trends, where right-leaning parties made gains across several EU countries, challenging the centrist and pro-EU majority in the European Parliament. However, despite these shifts, thepro-EU groups, including the European People’s Party (EPP), to which SDS be longs, still managed to retain a significant presence in the new Parliament.

26) Spain : - The EU Parliament Elections were held in Spain on 9^th June 2024 and the Main parties wise results political Landscape were like the following for its 61 MEPs.

People’s Party: - Won 22 MEP Seats with 35.62% vote share and affiliated to EPP European People’s Party.

Spanish Socialist Workers Party: - Won 20 MEP Seats with 30.89% Votes and affiliated to S&D Group in EU Parliament.

Vox: - Won 9 MEP Seats with 14.79% Initially in ECR group but nowchanged to   New Patriots for Europe Groupin EU Parliament.

Sumar: - Won 7 MEP Seats with 10.67% Votes Share and affiliated to the Left (GUE/NGL) in EU Parliament.

Citizens: - Won 3 Seats with 4.12% Vote Share and Affiliated to EPP Group in EU Parliament.

Summary of Spain EU Parliament Elections 2024 : - The June 2024 European Parliament elections in Spain marked a significant political shift, with the center-right People's Party (PP) emerging as the dominant force, overtaking the ruling Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). The election outcome was seen as a major setback for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whose party lost ground despite efforts to maintain its influence. The results highlighted a growing disenchantment with the incumbent government, particularly in the context of economic challenge sand social unrest.

One of the most notable aspects of the election was the performance of the far-right Vox party, which saw a considerable increase in its vote share. Vox's gains were indicative of a broader trend across Europe, where nationalist and right-wing populist parties have been making inroads. This shift raised concerns about the future of EU unity and the potential for increased political polarization within Spain and across the continent.

Despite the rise of Vox, centrist and left-leaning parties in Spain managed to contain the far-right surge better than in other European countries. However, the fragmentation of the vote among multiple parties also pointed to a more complex and divided political landscape. The results underscored the challenges that the next Spanish government will face in building coalitions and addressing the diverse demands of its electorate.

The election results also had broader implications for Spain's role within the European Union. With the PP gaining more influence, there were expectations of a shift in Spain's EU policies, particularly in areas such as migration, economic reform, and relations with other member states. The outcome also fuelleddi scussions about the future direction of the EU, as Spain's changing political dynamics could influence the broader European agenda in the coming years.

27) Sweden : - The EU Parliament Elections for 2024 was held in Sweden on 9^th June 2024 and the Results for the Main Parties were like the Following for its 21MEPs.

Social Democratic Party : - Won 5 MEP Seats with 24.77% Vote Share.

Moderate Party : - Won 4 MEP Seats with 17.53% Vote Share and affiliated to European People’s Party EPP Group in the EU Parliament Group System of Representation for EU Issues discussed and Resolved by laws passed in EU Parliament.

Green Party : - Won 3 MEP Seats with 13.85% Vote Share and Affiliated to Greens/EFA Group in EU Parliament.

Sweden Democrats Party : - Won 3 MEP Seats with 13.17% Vote Share and affiliated to ECR Group with in EU Parliament.

Left Party : - Won 1 MEP Seat with 11.06% Vote Share and affiliated to The Left (GUE/NGL) Group in EU Parliament.

Centre Party : - Won 2 MEP Seats with 7.29% Votes Share and affiliated to Renew Europe with in EU Parliament Groups.

Christian Democrats : - Won 1 MEP Seat with 5.71% Votes Share and affiliated to EPP Group within EU Parliament.

Liberals Party : - Won 1 MEP Seat with 4.38% Vote Share and affiliated to Renew Europe Group within EU Parliament.

Independent Candidate : - Won 1 MEP Seat with 3.1% Vote and is attached to NI Non Inscrits Group in EU Parliament.

Summary of EU Parliament elections 2024 in Sweden : - The outcome of the June 2024 European Parliament elections in Sweden has been characterized by a slight shift to the right, reflecting broader European trends. The Swedish Social Democratic Party(S) remained the largest party but saw a slight decline in support, while the right-wing Sweden Democrats (SD) consolidated their position as the third-largest party. The Moderates (M), part of the center-right European People's Party (EPP) at the EU level, maintained their status as the second-largest party in Sweden.

One of the most notable outcomes was the increased influence of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, bolstered by the Sweden Democrats' performance. This result mirrored a general trend across Europe where far-right and conservative parties gained ground, though not as dramatically as some predictions had suggested.

Commentary on the election has emphasized the challenges ahead for the EU's centrist and pro-EU coalitions, which, while still holding a majority, will need to navigate increased fragmentation and polarization within the Parliament. This shift is expected to result in more contentious debates on issues like climate policy, migration, and EU expansion.

The election results in Sweden were part of a broader European context where far-right gains in countries like France and Germany prompted significant political reactions, including a snap election call in France due to the success of Marine Le Pen's National Rally.

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Special Note on Schengen Agreement Visa : - 23 Member Countries of EU are Part of Schengen Area Visa and then four other Non EU Countries of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are part of Schengen Visa Agreement for their Collective Border Control as European Countries. These countries are not part of Schengen Visa Agreement UK, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus and Ireland.

Countries Included in the Schengen Area :-

EU Members in Schengen :- Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

Non-EU Members in Schengen: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland.

Exceptions :-

Non-Schengen EU Countries :- Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, and Cyprus are EU members but are either not part of the Schengen Area or are in the process of joining.

Visa-Free Travel :- Citizens of some countries (e.g., the U.S., Canada, Australia) do not need a visa for short stays in the Schengen Area.

Important Considerations :- Overstaying a Schengen Visa can lead to fines, deportation, and being banned from entering the Schengen Area in the future.

Visa Extensions are possible in exceptional cases, such as force majeure or humanitarian reasons, but must be applied for before the visa expires.

This visa system simplifies travel across much of Europe by reducing the need for multiple visas when visiting several Schengen countries.

The Schengen Agreement was signed on June 14, 1985. The agreement was initially signed by five of the ten member states of the European Economic Community (EEC) at the time: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The signing took place in the village of Schengen in Luxembourg, which is where the agreement gets its name.

The implementation of the agreement, which effectively abolished internal borders and allowed for free movement across most of Europe, began on March26, 1995, when the Schengen Area was officially established. Over time, more countries joined the agreement, expanding the Schengen Area to include most of the EU member states and several non-EU countries.

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However, there are several other common types of visas and regional agreements that allow for similar travel across multiple countries. Here are a few examples.

1. ASEAN Visa (Proposed) :- Although not fully implemented, the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) has discussed creating a visa similar to the Schengen visa that would allow travelers to visit multiple Southeast Asian countries with a single visa.

2. Caribbean Visa(CARICOM Visa) :- Some Caribbean nations under the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) agreement allow for easier movement between member states for citizens of those countries. There has been discussion about a single visa for travelers from outside the region as well.

3. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Visa :- This is a proposed visa that would allow travel between the GCC member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE). Some member countries have bilateral agreements that facilitate easier travel for residents.

4. ECOWAS Visa (Economic Community of West African States) :- ECOWAS countries have agreements that allow for visa-free travel between member states for their citizens, and there is a proposal for a common visa for non-ECOWAS citizens traveling to multiple member states.

5. Pacific Alliance Visa :- This visa is in development for member countries of the Pacific Alliance(Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru), potentially allowing for easier travel between these countries.

These visas or agreements are often region-specific and allow for easier travel among member states, similar to the Schengen visa in Europe.