European Elections: Elections are approaching and expectations of increasing the influence of the extreme right

From 6 to 9 June 2024, 450 million European citizens will go to vote in the tenth European elections across the continent, 45 years after the first election.

The continental vote will determine the next 720 members of the European Parliament.

One of the first decisions to be taken by the new Assembly will be the election of a President of the European Parliament. which is required to obtain an absolute majority.

Once this step is completed, all eyes will be on the candidates for the post of President of the European Commission, who have been selected by the EU countries, and it will be up to MEPs to give their approval.

The same for aspiring commissioners. MPs will question them before they support or reject them.

MEPs will then be involved in the development of European laws.

Their role: to discuss, amend and ultimately negotiate the European Commission’s proposals with the Council.

The European Parliament cannot take the lead in legislation, but can ask the Commission to refer the proposal.

The adoption of the EU budget is another important task for the European Parliament and the scrutiny of foreign policy.

It must also approve or join any EU enlargement treaties.

Parliament has the power to dismiss the European Commission through a motion of no confidence, provided its adopted by a two-thirds majority of votes cast and a majority of parliamentarians.

Although this hasn’t happened like this so far, in 1999 the European Commission was forced to resign after a corruption scandal.