On Sunday 26 May at 6 p.m., the collegial atmosphere in the press rooms of the European Parliament became studious, signalling the official launch of the coverage of the European elections. As a team, we divide up the tasks, we scan the screens, but above all, we focus on the numbers that we comb through.
One former Member of the European Parliament, encountered outside the Chamber and accustomed to the corridors of Brussels, did not miss the opportunity to examine the event, which is in stark contrast to what he had experienced. He remembers the “effervescent” election of 1989, admitting halfway that it was more of an “election holiday” where deputies were, for example, entitled to champagne at will.
No matter how formal the atmosphere has become over time, in 2019 as in previous years, we are here mainly for “atmosphere and immediacy”. We are meeting at the entrance to the chamber to “experience the evening” as closely as possible before getting busy again.
The festivities are launched on the Place du Luxembourg, opposite the Parliament, where young professionals – often regulars – come to meet around concerts and to follow the results. The good-natured atmosphere contrasts with the mixed expectations of the results. Very often, it is the national landscape that is scrutinised first, especially among a group of Italians for whom the European elections are inseparable from last year's parliamentary elections that brought Matteo Salvini and Luigi Di Maio to power, a symptom of a heralded eurosceptic breakthrough.
“We are doing a kind of follow-up”, says Erica, who “fears Salvini” at the national level, because, for Europe too, “there will be dangerous consequences because he will want to reflect his policy there”. She stresses that the Lega does not align itself with European objectives, “not even with regard to the climate plan”.
The debate over the top candidates (‘Spitzenkandidaten’) of European political parties raises contrasting reactions in the musical atmosphere. Victor, Belgo-Austrian, believes that this process must be respected, while Monica, Italian, believes that it is “sold as democratisation”, without “responding to a real political offer”. Finally, she seeks a “compromise candidate”, for fear that the appointment of a German as head of the Commission will give arguments to eurosceptics who often disapprove of an “overly strong Germany” in Europe.
This year, on the esplanade, the emergence of a handful of civil society associations for elections is a novelty. Europeans who are convinced but critical are present, particularly among the European Federalist Movement.
Next to the screens and stands, the debate continues in tents. The joint discussion panel of the Student Forum's Election Observation Project – AEGEE – with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) highlights the two main areas of focus in this year's debates: the involvement of European youth, combined with the European Union's democratisation objectives.
We want more involvement of young people, because it is “a direct corollary of the future of democracy”, proclaims one representative.
A first, crucial estimate is displayed on the screens: turnout is at its highest level in 20 years (see EUROPE 11264/3). The crowd applauded with joy, as if they had rallied some allies, “regardless of their political side”. This is an encouraging sign for Europe.
Like many others, a family wields European flags. Enthusiastic, they embody ‘a Brussels family’, for whom it is important to grasp the atmosphere, especially since there is a “fight over Europe”. One family member, Anna, 14, is already looking forward to voting. She is upset with the little, in her opinion, that the approximately 50% of the electorate who turned out at the polls represents. Anna feels that youth has “more to say this year”. The climate craze is an illustration of this and “the more you voice it, the more it’s gonna change”, she said.
Place du Luxembourg, Europe has indeed reverberated. It remains to be seen whether these elections will resonate beyond the election night. The European Council meeting on Tuesday promises to be the beginning of the truly captivating European “game of thrones”. (Martin Molko – intern)