Voting for the European Parliament began today in Britain and the Netherlands. Over the next four days, more than 375 million people in 27 countries are eligible to cast a ballot. Despite the importance of the parliament, most analysts fear turnout will be low. Voting numbers have fallen as the European Union has expanded and only 45 percent of voters went to the polls in 2004.
The results mainly hinge on national issues and the electorate is largely apathetic. While the perception is that the institution enjoys little real influence in voters’ lives, the European Parliament has real power. In many respects the members have greater sway over legislation than do their national counterparts. The parliament enjoys both legislative and budgetary powers and if the Lisbon treaty is ratified it is expected to gain even more say in Europe’s affairs.
Of course voter indifference is not the only problem. The parliament remains remote and retains some irrational policies (notably relocating from Brussels to Strasbourg every month).
And like the European Parliament, Europe’s regional power is often overlooked.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons and graphic from the Economist.