The European Union is facing historic challenges: a war in Europe, an exacerbating climate crisis, Europe’s position in the global power structure. In 2024, eligible voters in all EU Member States will set the course on many of these key issues as they head to the polls between June 6 and 9 to cast their vote in the tenth round of European elections in EU history.
There is a lot at stake. This election is about future support for Ukraine, the two interconnected tasks of EU reform and EU enlargement, implementing the European Green Deal, sparking a new economic dynamic, and promoting social cohesion. This election will also, and not least, shape the self-image we project to the world and the role we play in it. Most importantly, it will determine the future of democracy in our union: Current polls indicate a rise of right-wing populist parties, which are stoking fears and stirring anti-Brussels sentiment, yet fail to offer any solutions to the problems we face, at a time when Europe urgently needs positive and bold ideas.
There have been encouraging signals, among them the last parliamentary elections in Poland and pro-democracy protests against the far-right party AfD in Germany. They may give cause for optimism, but should not make us complacent.
In this issue, you will find articles on the state and future of the European Union. I hope that many of the approximately 400 million voters will head to the polls and make the statement we need right now: a resounding “yes” to the promise of Europe!
Jan Philipp Albrecht