Turnout could reach 51% in 27 countries of the European Union, excluding the UK. If confirmed, this would be the best result for 20 years. Officials do not have data for the UK, which could depress the figures slightly.
Participation is up in at least 13 countries in the EU, according to early data, with some of the biggest increases in Hungary and Romania. France is on course for its best-ever turnout.
The grand coalition of left and right is set to lose their 40-year long majority: the European People’s party and the Socialists & Democrats will together lose 92 seats compared to 2014.
European Liberals are among the big winners of the night, as Emmanuel Macron rides to their rescue. A new centrist liberal group is forecast to have 102 seats, up from the 67 they have under current MEP leader Guy Verhofstadt. But national results are a setback for Macron, as exit polls suggest he will come second to Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally.
The Greens are predicted to win 71 seats in the European parliament, their best-ever result. Performance has been strong in Germany, where the Green party has almost doubled their 2014 result to leapfrog the SPD into second place with 22%.
The far-right Europe of Nations and Freedom group is on course to win 57 seats, up from 30 a few years ago. That result is not the breakthrough of more than 70 seats many had forecast – although we still await final results and the make-up of the group.
(The Guardian)
European Parliament
Guardian
What does this mean:
The European People’s party remains the largest in the parliament, but loses 48 seats.
The Socialists & Democrats remain the second-largest force, but are reduced to 147 seats.
The Liberals will be the third-largest group, winning 102 seats (up from 67 seats).
Greens are on course for 71 seats, a big gain on the 50 seats won in 2014.
The Conservative Eurosceptic group set up by David Cameron loses seats and Nigel Farage’s group makes limited gains.
The far-right Europe of Nations and Freedom group gains 11 seats, but not the breakthrough many had forecast.
