The European Parliament’s report on the June election revealed that the cost of living crisis was a major concern for voters, with 42% citing it as an important issue. Other significant factors influencing voters’ choices included the international situation, concerns about democracy and the rule of law, and, to a lesser extent, migration and climate change. Gender equality and the digitalization of Europe’s economy and society were found to have minimal impact on voters, with only 7% and 6% citing them as influential factors, respectively. Overall, the report highlighted that economic issues played a key role in shaping voters’ preferences.
The 2024 EU election saw a turnout of 51%, which was an increase from both the 2019 turnout of 50.7% and the 2014 turnout of 42.6%. Voter participation was highest among those over 55, with a turnout rate of 58%, while the 15–24 age group had the highest abstention rate at 64%. Despite the lower turnout among young voters, the majority of them still view EU membership positively, with 71% believing that their country has benefited from being part of the EU. Among different social groups, the unemployed had the highest abstention rate at 71%, while managers showed the highest participation rate at 63%.
The report also delved into the reasons behind the nearly 50% voter abstention in the European elections. The main factors contributing to abstention were a lack of trust in politics (21%) and a general lack of interest (20%). Other notable reasons included being on holiday or away from home (12%), being “too busy” or at work (12%), and other personal commitments. These findings shed light on the motivations behind voter turnout and highlight the challenges in engaging certain demographics in the electoral process.
Overall, the report indicates that economic concerns, particularly the cost of living crisis, played a significant role in shaping voters’ preferences in the June election. While other issues such as the international situation, democracy, and rule of law also influenced voters, migration and climate change were viewed as less pressing concerns. The report also highlights the disparity in voter turnout among different age groups and social backgrounds, with young voters showing lower participation rates. Despite this, the overall trend in EU elections has been towards increased turnout, indicating a growing engagement with the electoral process.
Looking ahead, policymakers and politicians may need to focus on addressing economic issues, building trust in politics, and finding ways to engage younger voters in order to improve voter turnout and representation in future elections. By understanding the factors that influence voter behavior and participation, steps can be taken to create a more inclusive and representative democratic process in the European Union.
