One of the most significant democratic election processes in the world occurs every five years, across four days, in Europe. During these elections, voters from each EU member state are asked to cast their vote for the vision of Europe they would like to see.  

Given that there are no transnational lists, these elections are ultimately fought nationally. This can pose exasperatingly different outcomes based on party perception, social media presence and a string of geopolitical factors, aside even from disparities in voting systems. Some nations vote via a list system, and others - like the Republic of Ireland - use a direct suffrage system based on a constituency basis. 

By any account, a recipe for a fascinating turn of events. 

On the evening of June 9, many members gathered in anticipation, fresh off the conclusion of campaigns, and waited with bated breath for the initial results to arrive. 

Notable developments included the rapid rise of the far right in France, with a National Assembly dissolution to follow, showing the immediate and drastic impact of the turbulent voting results on a domestic front. Nothing is for sure, and these elections were a reflection of that for many liberal parties. While liberal parties significantly gained in Ireland - with Fianna Fáil doubling their European Parliament seats there - key MEPs were lost elsewhere. Renew was obliterated in France and Spain, losing 10 and 8 seats respectively. The grouping also took a hit in Romania and Denmark, and saw only marginal gains in other countries. Overall, Renew saw a recession of 13 seats from the European Parliament sitting of 2019-2024. Moreover, the ÁNO party (Czech Republic) abandoned the liberal alliance, aligning themselves with the fledgling Patriots for Europe group alongside fickle friends such as Hungary’s Fidesz, France’s National Rally, and the Chega from Portugal.

The aftermath of the elections was a journey for our members to follow closely. The formation of groups, while a source of potential amusement, offered a glimpse of the work left to be done. 

The loss of ÁNO brought Renew behind the ECR in number of seats, and Volt’s decision to join the Greens/EFA meant Renew’s path to retaining the third-highest membership of the European Parliament swayed even further. This does not imply cause to lose faith, nor to abandon either passion or our energy for our work - on the contrary, it means we need to remain steadfast in our values as liberals.

Our vision for a diverse, inclusive and progressive Europe will not be lost while deciding our next steps. The European Union needs liberal voices, something Renew must remain steadfast in its ambition to provide. It is our moral responsibility to hold firm in our views for a union of equity and balance, in spite of the significant emergent challenge posed by illiberal factions present in the European sphere. 

Significantly, the next EU Commission has now been appointed, and our values must remain loud as Ursula von der Leyen begins her new mandate and the decision on which topics should be prioritised is made. 

As the tide of factions opposed to the European project rises, it is imperative to bring new liberal voices into the fold, and to continue to strive for a European Union inclusive of all voices, but wherein common sense and a desire for the dignity and prosperity of all citizens (equally) is maintained. The European Union - with liberalism as its bedrock - has seen off monumental challenges in the past. The next few years will be telling, but there is little doubt that it will do so again.

In the meantime, the liberal cause shall be preserved. Now, we look to our newly-elected MEPs to take the mantle of this cause to the plenary sessions in Brussels and Strasbourg.

Reference:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2024/jun/09/european-elections-results-2024-europe-eu-parliament

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