Dutch Voters Kickstart the EU Election Marathon

On Thursday, June 6, Dutch voters commenced a four-day EU election across the 27 nations of the European Union, signalling the initiation of the EU Parliament elections. This voting marathon serves as an early litmus test, offering insights into the potential political shift to the right predicted for the next EU parliament.

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EU Elections Highlight Geopolitical Uncertainty and Rising Far-Right Influence

The elections coincide with a period of profound geopolitical uncertainty, marked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two and a half years prior. While the majority of EU countries, including France and Germany, are scheduled to vote on Sunday, the Netherlands leads the charge, providing a preview of the far-right’s strength, a prominent issue in this election.

Amidst crisp sunny weather, early-morning voters flocked to polling stations in The Hague, some arriving before polling opened to capture the moment with selfies. The far-right leader Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party (PVV), despite abandoning its “Nexit” referendum pledge, is anticipated to dominate the EU polls with its fiercely eurosceptic manifesto.

The Netherlands sets the stage for a broader trend across the EU, where nationalist and eurosceptic forces are expected to triumph. The election outcomes hold significant implications for EU policy, influencing decisions regarding climate change, international relations, and leadership appointments, including the presidency of the European Commission.

As the voting process unfolds, the EU awaits the repercussions of these elections on its future trajectory and policies.