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EU Elections 2014 – ‘This time it’s different!’

by efn efn

EP Elections 2014

Results of 2014 EU Elections 

Following the European elections of 22-25 May 2014, political leaders are meeting on 27 May in Brussels for an informal European Council to discuss the results of the vote and how this will influence the choice of the President of the European Commission. The outcomes of the elections have significantly debilitated the majority enjoyed by mainstream parties until now. The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) and the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) are still the two biggest political groups in the European Parliament, with 213 and 190 seats respectively (out of 751). But while the EPP has retained its place as the biggest political group, it has also recorded the biggest loss, with 61 seats less in comparison with the previous parliament. Meanwhile, the S&D has seen its numbers decline too, but more moderately, from 196 to 190. Among other political groups, the Liberals got 64 seats (down from 83), the Greens 53 (down from 57) and the right-wing Conservatives and Reformist group, 46 (down from 57). The far-left obtained 42 seats (up from 35), while the far-right Europe of Freedom and Democracy group got 38 (up from 31). However, a contingent of 105 new MEPs from yet unaffiliated parties is expected to upset the balance of power in the EU Parliament. 

This elections have brought a change to the new European Parliament, getting the two first political parties close to each other, losing support and bringing new extreme and populist ideologies. These results are interpreted as a proof of EU citizens’ discontent and awareness of the need to engage more with them in the future policy making process.

Following what the EFN members have been demanding during the EU campaign, the EFN will continue advocating for championing appropriately educated, supported and developed nursing workforce in the right numbers to deliver person-centred care and promote health in the EU. 

 

Background

On 22-25 May, the 28 EU Member States will hold elections for a new European Parliament, providing the EU citizens the chance to influence the future political course of the European Union when electing the 751 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to represent their interests for the next five years.

Seats per country 2014

Representing around 500 million citizens, the European Parliament will play a key role in electing the new President of the European Commission, taking into account that José Manuel Barroso will step down when the current Commission’s term ends.

The first results are expected to be announced on the evening of 25 May 2014.

EFN Manifesto

Act.React.Impact2

Ahead of the elections, the EFN has developed a Manifesto highlighting its key political message on education, health workforce and quality & safety. The EFN members have been invited to fully use the Manifesto at national level to influence their candidate MEPs. With up to 6 million nurses in Europe, the EFN and its members are a significant voting force. They are, therefore, calling on MEPs to support the following priorities and use their influence to help: Invest in nursing education at European and national level; Ensure appropriate health workforce planning; Deliver Quality and Safeguarding Patient Safety; Ensure appropriate resources to further develop evidence based health policy making through nursing research.

Key events