JUNE 2009 EUROPEAN ELECTIONS - THE CANDIDATES(*)

Special report by Yoann Pupat, Agata Byczewska, Hélène Debuire and Olivier Jehin

(*) Based on information available about plans for the European elections, this document provides a non-exhaustive list of eligible candidates in the twenty-seven EU Member States

GERMANY

7 June 2009

99 seats to be filled

Electoral system: closed list ballot; proportional representation; 5% minimum

Parties can forward national or regional lists in Germany. Most have national lists, but the Christian Unions tend to field separate candidates in the different regions (Länder). There are 32 parties and political groups fielding a total of 1,196 candidates in the 2009 European elections in Germany.

I - Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Socialist Union (CSU)

Baden-Württemberg: The list is topped by current MEP Rainer Wieland (aged 52), followed by current MEPs Daniel Caspary (aged 33), Andreas Schwab (lawyer, aged 36), Elisabeth Jeggle (aged 61), Inge Gräßle (former journalist, aged 48), Thomas Ulmer (doctor, aged 53), Sebastian Beck (vineyard owner, aged 27) and Brigit Veith (biologist, aged 52).

Bavaria (CSU list): Current MEP Markus Ferber (aged 44); current MEP Angelika Niebler (aged 46); current MEP Anja Weisgerber (aged 33); current MEP Manfred Weber (aged 37); current MEP Albert Deß (aged 62); Monika Hohlmeier (aged 47) daughter of former president of Bavaria Franz Josef Strauss; current MEP Bernd Posselt (aged 53); current MEP Martin Kastler (aged 35); current MEP Gabriele Stauner (aged 61); Gerhard Waschler (aged 52); Michael Bernicker (architect, aged 49); Carolin Opel (lawyer, aged 30); and Barbara Haimerl (aged 41).

Berlin: Joachim Zeller (aged 56) tops the list, followed by current MEP Roland Gewalt (lawyer, aged 51) Marion Berning (school headmistress, aged 68), Torsten Kühne (physicist, aged 34), Oliver Scholz (aged 49) and Hildegard Bentele (aged 33).

Brandenburg: Current MEP Jan Christian Ehler (aged 46); Kim-Jesko von Samson-Himmelstjerna (political advisor, aged 36), Knut Friedrich Alexander Abraham (diplomat, aged 43).

Bremen: Carl Daniel Maria Kau (banker, aged 55) is head of the CSU list, followed by Iris Spieß (aged 46), Andreas Tserkezidis (aged 55), Vicky Wollny (student, aged 26) and Bernd Wundersee (engineer, aged 60).

Hamburg: Birgit Schnieber-Jastram (former senator and journalist, aged 63), Bettina Machaczek-Stuth (aged 47) and Agnes Wieczorek (student, aged 26).

Hessen: Current MEP Thomas Mann (aged 63) is top of the list, followed by current MEP Michael Gahler (aged 49), Oda Scheibelhuber (aged 58), Yasar Bilgin (surgeon, aged 59), Verena David (aged 33) and Birgit Kind (lawyer, aged 47).

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Engineer Werner Kuhn (aged 54) is top of the list, followed by Dan Oliver Höftmann (lawyer, aged 34), Annette Gratz (lawyer, aged 32) and Christian Rosenkranz (lawyer, aged 46).

Niedersachsen: The President of the European Parliament, current MEP Hans-Gert Pöttering (lawyer, aged 64) is top of the CDU list, followed by current MEP Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl (aged 62), current MEP Hans-Peter Mayer (aged 65), Burkhard Balz (lawyer, aged 40), Kristian Willem Tangermann (lawyer, aged 33) and Gesa Abel (lawyer, aged 43).

Nordrhein-Westfalen: Former chair of the EP's Foreign Affairs Committee, current MEP Elmar Brok (aged 63) is top of the list, followed by current MEP Karl-Heinz Florenz (aged 62), current MEP Renate Sommer (aged 51), current MEP Peter Liese (doctor, aged 44), current MEP Klaus-Heiner Lehne (aged 52), the Mayor of Aachen, Sabine Verheyen (architect, aged 45), current MEP Markus Pieper (aged 46), Axel Voß (lawyer, aged 46), current MEP Herbert Otto Reul (aged 57) and current MEP Christoph Konrad (aged 51).

Rheinland-Pfalz: Current MEP Werner Langen (aged 59) is top of the list, followed by current MEP Kurt Lechner (notary, aged 67), current MEP Christa Klaß (aged 57), the Mayor of Bingen am Rhein, Birgit Collin-Langen (aged 52), Andreas Nick and Simone Thiel (aged 31).

Saarland: Current MEP Doris Pack (aged 67), chair of the EP Delegation for Relations with the countries of South Eastern Europe, is top of the list. Helma Ursula Kuhn-Theis (member of parliament in Saarland, aged 56) and Giacomo Santalucia.

Sachsen: Hermann Winkler (aged 46), Dieter Peter Jahr (former parliamentarian, aged 50) and Alma Brigitte Wenzel-Perillo.

Sachsen-Anhalt: Current MEP Kurt Schnellhardt (aged 63), Laura Luise Banse (student, aged 25) and Jonathan Rumpold (student, aged 26).

Schleswig-Holstein: Current MEP Reimer Böge (aged 58), chair of the EP's Budgets Committee, is top of the list, followed by federal parliamentarian Niclas Herbst (aged 36), Karin Brückert (aged 62), Werner Weiss (aged 56), and federal parliamentarian Axel Bernstein (aged 35).

Thüringen: Current MEP Dieter-Lebrecht Koch (aged 56), Christian Köckert (theologian, aged 52), Mario Hüther (lawyer, 34) and Marga Lottmann (aged 60).

II. Social Democratic Party (SPD)

The first 40 SPD candidates are current MEP and chair of the EP's Socialist Group Martin Schulz (aged 54); current MEP Evelyne Gebhardt (aged 55); current MEP Bernhard Rapkay (aged 58); current MEP Jutta Haug (aged 58); current MEP Wolfgang Kreissl-Doerfler (aged 59); Bernd Lange (theologian, aged 54), collector of old motorbikes; Jutta Steinruck (aged 46); current MEP Udo Bullmann (aged 53); current MEP Dagmar Roth-Behrendt (aged 56); former parliamentary assistant Jens Geier (aged 48); current MEP Matthias Groote (aged 36); current MEP Ulrike Rodust (aged 60); Peter Simon (lawyer, aged 42); Petra Kammerrevert (aged 43); Kerstin Westphal (aged 47); current MEP Jo Leinen (aged 61); current MEP Barbara Weiler (aged 63); Knut Fleckenstein (aged 56); Birgit Sippel (aged 49); Ismail Ertug (aged 34); current MEP Norbert Glante (aged 57); current MEP Constanze Krehl (aged 53); Norbert Neuser (educationalist, aged 60); current MEP Erika Mann (aged 59); current MEP Karin Jöns (aged 56); current MEP Ulrich Stockmann (aged 58) Sylvia Radtke (agronomist, aged 40); Holger Poppenhäger (aged 52); Gabi Roland (aged 46); Sebastian Hartmann (aged 31); Hidir Karademir (social worker, aged 54); Monika Borchert-Bösele (aged 54); Christoph Dolle (lawyer, aged 32); Maike Rohwer; Matthias Wehrmeyer (lawyer, aged 53); Jürgen Coße (aged 40); Ulrike Foraci (aged 52); Frank Zimmermann (lawyer, aged 52); consultant in European affairs, Petra Herrmann; and Christian Flisek (lawyer, aged 35).

III. Alliance 90/The Greens (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen)

Current MEP Rebecca Harms (aged 53) is top of the German Green list, followed by regional parliamentarian Reinhard Bütikofer (aged 56); current MEP Heide Rühle (aged 61); founder member of Attac-Deutschand Sven Giegold (aged 40); Barbara Lochbihler (aged 50); current MEP Michael Cramer (aged 60); Ska Keller (student of Islamic culture and Judaism, aged 28); Werner Schulz (engineer, aged 59), former Member of the Bundestag; current MEP Helga Trüpel (aged 51); regional parliamentarian Martin Häusling (aged 48); Franziska Brantner (aged 30); Jan Philip Albrecht (lawyer, aged 27); current MEP Elisabeth Schroedter (aged 50); Gerald Häfner (publicist, aged 50); current MEP Hiltrud Breyer (aged 52), who has been an MEP since 1989; Andreas Braun (theologian, aged 45); current MEP Gisela Kallenbach (aged 65); and Peter Alberts (aged 38).

IV. The Left (Die Linke): a merger of the Democratic Socialism Party (PDS) and and Workers' and Social Justice Alternative (WASG).

Lothar Bisky (aged 68), Member of the Bundestag; Sabine Wils (chemist, aged 49); current MEP Gabriele Zimmer (Thüringen, aged 54); Thomas Händel (electrician, aged 56); Cornelia Ernst (teacher, aged 53); Jürgen Klute (Protestant clergyman, aged 56) Sabine Lösing (social worker, aged 54); Helmut Scholz (aged 55); Martina Michels (Berlin, aged 54), member of the Committee of the Regions; current MEP Tobias Pflüger (aged 44); Sidar Demirdögen (aged 31); Sascha Wagener (aged 32); parliamentary assistant Ruth Firmenich (aged 45); and former vice-president of the European Parliament elected on the Green List (1987-1999), Wilfried Telkämper (aged 56).

V. Liberal Democratic Party (FDP)

Current MEP Silvana Koch-Mehrin (aged 39), current MEP Alexander Graf Lambsdorff (aged 43), current MEP Jorgo Chatzimarkakis (aged 43), current MEP Wolf Klinz (aged 68), Gesine Meißner (aged 57), current MEP Alexander Alvaro (aged 34), current MEP Holger Krahmer (aged 39), Michael Theurer (aged 42); Nadja Hirsch (aged 31); regional parliamentarian Jürgen Creutzmann (aged 64); Alexandra Thein (notary, aged 46); Britta Reimers (farmer, aged 38); Matthias Purdel (opera singer, aged 45); Alexander Plahr (freelance IT consultant, aged 29); Norbert Meyer (farmer); Franz Prockl (aged 30); and Kornelia Kimpfel (veterinarian, aged 53).

VI. Other parties:

Eighteen parties not currently represented at the EP are standing in the 2009 European elections: - Die Republikaner (REP); - Die Tierschutzpartei - Mensch Umwelt Tierschutz; - Die Grauer / Graue Panther (Graue); - Nationaldemokratische Partei Deutschlands (NPD); - Die Frauen - Feministische Partei / Die Frauen; - Ökologisch-Demokratische Partei (ÖDP); - Partei Bibeltreuer Christen (PBC); - Christliche Mitte (CM); - Bayernpartei (BP); - Bürgerrechtsbewegung Solidarität (BüSo); - Deutsche Zentrumspartei (Zentrum) - FAMILIE; - Deutschland - Aktion Unabhängige Kandidaten (Unabhängige Kandidaten) - Aufbruch für Bürgerrechte, Freiheit und Gesundheit (Aufbruch) - Deutsche Kommunistische Partei (DKP) - Deutsche Partei (DP) - Partei für Soziale Gleichheit, Sektion der Vierten Internationale (PSG).

AUSTRIA

7 June 2009

17 seats to be filled (-1); rising to 19 when the Lisbon Treaty comes into force.

Electoral system: list-based ballot and preferential voting; proportional representation; 4% minimum.

The latest opinion polls suggest the party currently in power in Austria, the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) would get 31% of the vote, closely followed by the People's Party (ÖVP). The Liberal Party (FPÖ) would get 16% of the vote, the Greens 10%, the Hans-Peter Martin List 8% and the Alliance for the Future of Austria (BZÖ) 5%.

SPÖ: The current vice-chair of the PES at the EP, Hannes Swoboda (lawyer, aged 62), is top of the list for the third European elections in a row, followed by Evelyn Regner (aged 43); current MEP Jörg Leichtfried (lawyer, aged 42); Karin Kadenbach (aged 51); Dr Josef Weidenholzer (university lecturer, aged 59); current MEP Christa Prets (former sports teacher, aged 61); current MEP Herbert Bösch (aged 54) who chairs the EP's Budgetary Control Committee; Adelheid Hirschbichler (aged 50); and sociologist Kerstin Zlender (aged 29).

ÖVP: List topped by former interior minister Ernst Strasser, chair of the NGO Hilfswerk (specialising in aid for Eastern Europe), followed by current MEP Othmar Karas (aged 51), deputy secretary general of insurance company Bundesländer-Versicherung. Next on the list are Hella Ranner (aged 58); current MEP Richard Seeber (doctor of law, aged 47); current MEP Paul Rübig (aged 56); Elisabeth Köstinger (student, aged 31); current MEP Hubert Pirker (doctor of philosophy, aged 61); Heinz K. Becker (company director, aged 59); Anton Santner (company director, aged 38); and Theresa Philippi (lawyer, aged 40).

FPÖ: Current MEP Andreas Mölzer (publicist, aged 57), former editor-in-chief of Kärtner Nachrichten (a regional newspaper in the Karinthien region), who is campaigning on the economic crisis, calling for closer coordination of right-leaning parties in Europe and says he would like his party to work with Italy's Northern League. The FPÖ may join the UEN after the elections. Standing alongside Andreas Mölzer are company director Franz Obermayr (aged 57) and Barbara Kappel (aged 44).

The Greens (Die Grünen). The Green list is headed by Austrian parliamentarian Ulrike Lunacek (interpreter and journalist, aged 52), who is currently a spokesperson for the European Greens. She is followed by current MEP Eva Lichtenberger (doctor of social sciences and former teacher, aged 55), Monika Vana (doctor of information technology, aged 40), a city councillor in Vienna, and Thomas Waitz (farmer, aged 36).

Martin's List: Current Eurosceptic MEP Hans-Peter Martin (lawyer and former journalist, aged 52) is top of his own list, followed by industrialist Robert Sabitzer (aged 56).

BZÖ: Ewald Stadler (employee, aged 48) is top of the list of the BZÖ party, described by its leader Heinz-Christian Sache as standing for “the sovereignty, identity and neutrality of Austria”. Second on the list isengineer Heinz Jörg Freunschlag (aged 67).

Other lists: Top of the list of the Austrian Communist Party (KPÖ) is Günther Hopfgartner (employee, aged 45). Student Hannes Müllner (aged 26) is top of the list for the JuLis party.

BELGIUM

7 June 2009

22 seats to be filled (-2)

Electoral system: list-based ballot with preferential voting and proportional representation

Belgium is divided into four constituencies (the Flemish region, the Walloon region, the German-speaking community and the region of Brussels-Capital) and three electoral colleges. Thirteen MEPs are elected for the Dutch language electoral college (Flanders and Brussels), eight for the French language electoral college (Wallonia and Brussels) and one for the German language electoral college.

Dutch language electoral college (13 seats)

CD&V: The Flemish Christian Democrats and their allies have chosen the chair of the Dexia group's management board, former Belgian prime minister and former vice-president of the European Commission, Jean-Luc Dehaene, to top their list, followed by current MEP Marianne Thyssen (aged 53); current MEP Ivo Belet (aged 50), former VRT journalist; Nik Boons-Van Gool (aged 37); Turnhout council leader Francis Stijnen (aged 49), Anniek Nagels (aged 34), Mustapha Uzum (entrepreneur, aged 39), Elke Tindemans (aged 48) and former senator and secretary of state for mobility Etienne Schouppe (aged 66).

SP.A: Top of the Socialists' list is former MEP and Flemish social economy minsiter Kathleen Van Brempt (aged 40), who is followed by current MEP Saïd El Khadraoui (aged 34); current MEP Anne Van Lancker (aged 55); Selahattin Kocak, Beringen local politician with responisbiity for public works; and regional minister Bert Anciaux (aged 49).

Open Vld: Former prime minister Guy Verhofstadt (aged 56); former minister and current MEP Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck (aged 65), chair of the ELDR party; current MEP Dirk Sterckx (aged 63); parliamentarian Hilde Vautmans (aged 37); and regional parliamentarian Annick De Ridder (aged 30).

Vlaams Belang: The list is topped by current MEP Frank Vanhecke (aged 50), followed by Marijke Dillen and current MEP Philip Claeys (aged 44).

Groen: The Green list is topped by current MEP Bart Staes (aged 50).

Other lists: Lijst Dedecker, headed by Jean-Marie Dedecker; CAP, headed by Raf Verbeke; LSP, headed by Bart Vandersteene PVDA+: Peter Mertens SLP: former MEP Nelly Maes. N-VA: current MEP Frieda Brepoels (aged 54).

French language electoral college (8 seats)

PS: Top of the list is Walloon economics minister Jean-Claude Marcourt (aged 53), who is followed by current MEP Véronique De Keyser (aged 64), senator Christiane Vienne (aged 58) and federal parliamentarian Patrick Moriau (aged 58). Also on the list are culture minister Fadila Laanan (aged 41) and regional minister Philippe Courard (aged 43).

CDH: The list is topped by senator and former RTBF journalist Anne Delvaux, followed by Walloon parliamentarian Carlo Di Antonio and senator Vanessa Matz.

MR: EU Development Commissioner and former Belgian foreign minister Louis Michel, current MEP Frederique Ries (former journalist, aged 50) and secretary of state Olivier Chastel. Also on the list are senator and former MEP Philippe Monfils and current MEP Gérard Deprez (aged 66).

ECOLO: Senator of former federal transport minister Isabelle Durant (aged 55) and Philippe Lamberts (aged 46), a spokesperson for the European Green Party.

Other lists: RWF: Paul-Henry Gendebien FN: Jean-Pierre Borbouse PTB+: Raoul Hedebouw PC-GE: Pierre Eyben; MS: Francis Biesmans; LCR-PSL: Céline Caudron CAP D'ORAZIO: Ezio D'Orazio; WALLONIE D'ABORD: Christian Haudegand.

German language electoral college (1 seat)

Socialist (SP) Resi STOFFELS is standing against Christian Democrat (CSP), current MEP Mathieu Grosch (aged 59), PFF liberal Bernd Gentges and Green candidate Claudia Niessen. Also standing are Myrianne Coen for the EUROPA der WERTE party; Harald Mollers for ProDG and Josef Meyer for the VIVANT list.

BULGARIA

7 June 2009

17 seats to be filled (-1); rising to 18 when the Lisbon Treaty comes into force

Electoral system: open list ballot with preferential voting; proportional representation (single constituency)

GERB (Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria). Current MEP Rumiana Jeleva (aged 41); current MEP Vladimir Urutchev (aged 55); Iliana Ivanova (aged 34), member of the committee on European issues in Bulgaria; Emile Stoianov (50), director of a television channel; Maria Nedelcheva (aged 30), parliamentary secretary; and Rossitsa Pencheva, assistant at the Council.

Bulgarian Social Democrats. Alexandre Marinov (aged 52), doctor of philosophy and former lecturer, parliamentarian on the Bulgarian National Assembly, Tatiana Tomova, Veselin Mareshki, Member of Parliament, Galina Miteva, mayor of Dobrich, Piotr Jekov (aged 65), former footballer, Alexandre Tomov (aged 55), former prime minister in Dimitri Popov's government, Todor Velinov and Iavor Dimitrov (aged 47), who studied architecture before becoming a writer.

“The New Bulgarian Democracy” Party. Borislav Velikov (aged 63), doctor of chemistry, Petia Guegova (aged 38, lawyer), Veseline Nikolov (aged 34, engineer), Sava Gueorguiev (aged 39, pharmacist), Lidia Choulieva (aged 53, engineer and economist), Gani Stamov, Christo Christov (aged 37, lawyer), Krikor Topakbachian, Atanas Cherev (aged 64, doctor), Vladimir Donchev (aged 49, lawyer), Plamen Panayotov (aged 51, lawyer) and Nicolas Cvinapov (aged 51, lawyer).

Movement for Rights and Freedoms. Current MEP Filiz Hyusmenova (aged 43), current MEP Vladko Panayotov (aged 59), current MEP Metin Kazak (aged 37), Nedjmi Ali (aged 37, economist and former MEP), Roumen Pexhlivanov, Lalo Kamenov, Medixha Tocounova, Emine Guioulestan, Djouneit Kantarov, Ikmal Djomova, Boyko Oprlakov, Nixhat Kabil (aged 47, agronomist), Lioudmil Gueorguiev, Aliocman Imamov (aged 56, lecturer in statistics) and parliamentarian Iounal Lioutfi (aged 65).

Other parties: United Democratic Forces, Party of Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria, Ataka, Coalition for Bulgaria, Union for Patriotic Forces, Natioanl Movement for Stability and Progress, Blue Coalition, the Green Party and the Single National Party.

CYPRUS

6 June 2009

6 seats to be filled

Electoral system: proportional representation in a single constituency

There are 525,000 individuals on the electoral roll, including 10,000 Cypriots domiciled outside Cyprus; 1,300 Turkish Cypriots who are registered to vote in the European elections for the firs time; 5,000 citizens of other EU Member States; and 7,400 individuals who are eligible to vote for the first time. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has requested that two of the six MEPs for Cyprus are Turkish Cypriots, but the authorities have rejected the request. A group of Turkish Cypriots has threatened to take the case to the European Court of Justice to call for a cancellation of the European elections on Cyprus. Hustings for the European election started late because energies were focused on the 19 April 2009 general elections in the Turkish northern part of the island, the outcome of which was decisive in terms of the negotaitons between the two parts of Cyprus. The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias (Progressive Workers' Party, AKEL), who was elected in February 2008, resumed the negotiations with his counterparts in northern Cyprus over unification of the island. A new political party has entered the fray for the European elections, the Movement for the Reunification of Cyprus (formerly the Free Famagusta Movement, set up in May 2006), led by Ioannis Karseras. The polls suggest the right-wing party, the Democratic Rally of Cyprus (DISY), is in the lead with 32%, followed by the communists (AKEL) with 29%, the liberals with 16% (DIKO) and the socialists (EDEK) with around 10%.

DISY: Former farming minister Timis Efthimiou is at the top of the list. Second is parliamentarian Eleni Theocharous (doctor of science and of philosophy, aged 56) and current MEP Ioannis Kasoulides (doctor, aged 60), former foreign minister, is third, followed by parliamentarian Chris Stylianidis and Christopher Fokaidis (professor of politics).

AKEL: Academic Iosif Iosif is at the top of the list, followed by parliamentarian Skevi Koukouma; current MEP Kyriakos Triantaphyllides (aged 64), chair of the EP Delegation for Relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council; parliamentarian Takis Hadjigeorgiou; and mayor of Ayios Athanasios, Kyriacos Hadjitoffis.

DIKO: Top of the list is lawyer Simos Aggelides, member of the general secretariat of the Young Democrats; followed by Michalis Ellinas (journalist), who represents DIKO in the United Kingdom; Yiannos Papadopoulos, director general at the health ministry; parliamentarian and chair of the Womens' Organisation, Antigoni Papadopoulou (aged 55); Demetris Souglis (journalist) and entrepreneur Elena Tanou.

EDEK: The spokesperson for the Cypriot Socialists at the European Parliament, Dimitris Komodromos; former defence minister Koulis Mavronikolas; and Dimitris Papadakis.

Other lists: The Movement for the Reunification of Cyprus, a party that aims to represent people on a non-partisan basis, headed by Ioannis Karseras, is fielding three candidates: Stelios Diogenous (who works in tourism), Marianna Economides (who works in education) and Christos Orphanides (chair of the Union of Pont-Euxin Greek Expats). Top of the list for the Greens is Adonis Yiangos (chairman of a local planning and development agency); and Stavros Violaris is top of the list for the European Party (EVRO.KO).

DENMARK

7 June 2009

13 seats to be filled (-1)

Electoral system: list-based ballot for a national constituency with preferential voting; proportional representation

Danish politics has been dominated recently by the negotiatons that led to the appointment of Danish prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen as Secretary General of NATO. For the European elections, the key question is whether the Social Democratic Party (SD) will repeat its good performance of 2004 or whether the Eurosceptic parties (the People's Movement against the European Union and the June Movement), which have tended to get around 20% of the vote in European elections since 1979, will make a new breakthrough. A referendum on changes to the order of succession to the Danish throne is taking place on 7 June, the same day as the European elections. Under the Danish Constitution, 40% of the electorate has to vote in favour of the changes in order for the new rules to come into force so that the throne goes to the sovereign's endest child (boy or girl) rather than to the eldest son who takes precedence over elder sisters under current rules.

The polls put the Social Democratic Party (SD-PES) in the lead with 26.4% of the vote, followed by the Liberal Party (V-ALDE) with 22%, the Popular Socialist Party (SF-The Greens/EFA) with 17.4%, the Conservative Party (KF, member of the EPP-ED) with 12.1%, the People's Movement Against the EU with 4%, the Danish People's Party (DF-UEN), the Social Liberal Party with 3.9% and the June Movement with 2.2%.

SD: The Social Democratic list is headed by current MEP Dan Jørgensen (aged 33), who is vice-chair of the EP's Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee, replacing the former PES leader, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. Next are current MEP Britta Thomsen (former consultant in European affairs, aged 54); current MEP Christel Schaldemose (historian, aged 41); current MEP Ole Christensen (former sports trainer and ironmongeer, aged 53); Claus Larsen-Jensen (aged 56); and Hüseyin Arac (aged 52).

KF: Top of the Conservative list is Bendt Bendtsen, who resigned as trade and industry minister, followed by C.Wedell Nerdergaard (aged 52) and Pernille Hoxbro (aged 48).

V: The Liberals have chosen their spokesperson, Jens Rohde (aged 38), to head their list, accoompanied by Charlotte Antonsen (aged 50), Poul Dahl (aged 64), Hans Jorgen Dalum (aged 58) and Kasper Elbjorn (aged 35)

SF: Current MEP Margrethe Auken (pastor, aged 64) is top of the Popular Socialist Party's list. She is a former Eurosceptic who changed to become a supporter of European integration. The SF, however, still opposes the Common Agricultural Policy and does not want Denmark to join the euro. Margrethe Auken is followed by Emilie Turunen (aged 24) and Fathi El-Abed (aged 41).

DF: The list of this Eurosceptic party of the far right is headed by the young Morten Messerschmidt (aged 28), followed by Kenneth Kristensen (aged 31) and Anna Rosbach Andersen (aged 61).

RV: Sofie Carsten Nielsen (aged 33) has replaced MEP Anders Samuelsen (who set up the New Alliance in 2007) as head of the Social Liberal Party's list (RV-ADLE), followed by current MEP Johannes Lebech (aged 60), former culture minister (2000-2001) and Lotte Rod (aged 23).

Eurosceptics: The list of the June Movement (that wants Denmark to remain in the EU but keep all its opt-outs for CFSP, police, justice and Monetary Union issues) will be headed by current MEP Hanne Dahl (aged 38). The list of the Peope's Movement Against the EU (that wants Denmark to leave the EU) is headed by current MEP Søren Bo Søndergaard (aged 53).

SPAIN

7 June 2009

50 seats to be filled (-4)

Electoral system: closed list voting, proportional allocation using the d'Hondt rule

Partido Popular (PP). The Spanish right comes top of the polls with 40% of those polled saying they will vote for the PP (some 23 seats). The PP's list is headed by current MEP Jaime Mayor Oreja (agronomist, 57), former minister of the interior, followed by current MEP Luís de Grandes Pascual (lawyer, 64), Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio, current MEP Alejo Vidal-Quadras (doctor of physics, aged 64), current MEP Pilar Del Castillo Vera (aged 56) erstwhile education, culture and sports minister, current MEP José Manuel García-Margallo Marfíl (doctor of law, aged 64), current MEP Carmen Fraga Estévez (aged 60), former secretary general for maritime fisheries, Pablo Zalba Bidegain, current MEP Iñigo Méndez de Vigo (lawyer, 53), Rosa Estarás Ferragut, current MEP Francisco Millán Mon (former diplomat and lawyer, 54), current MEP Agustín Díaz de Mera García-Consuegra (aged 61), erstwhile director general of the police, Gabriel Mato Adrover, current MEP Pilar Ayuso (agronomist, aged 67), Veronica Lope Fontagne, current MEP Carlos Iturgaiz Angulo (aged 43) former chair of the EP Delegation for Relations with Countries in North Africa and the 'Union du Maghreb Arabe', current MEP Antonio López-Istúriz White (aged 39), secretary general of the EPP at the EP, former assistant to José María Aznar (when he was Spanish Prime Minister), current MEP Cristina Gutiérrez-Cortines (doctor in the history of art, aged 69), current MEP José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra (aged 54), former chair of the Euro-Latin America Parlilamentary Assembly, current MEP Esther Herránz García (aged 39), Pablo Arias Echeverría, current MEP Salvador Garriga Polledo (economist, 51), Santiago Fisas Ayxelá, Eva Ortiz Vilella, Auxiliadora Correa Zamora, current MEP Juan Naranjo Escobar (aged 57), current MEP Florencio Luque Aguilar (doctor, 51) and current MEP Daniel Bautista (aged 35).

Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). Former justice minister and parliamentarian for Las Palmas, Juan Fernando López Aguilar (aged 47), is top of the Spanish Socialists' list, which polls suggest will get 37% (some 21 seats). He is followed by Ramón Jáuregui Atondo, Magdalena Álvarez Arza, current MEP María Badia I Cutchet (English teacher, 62), current MEP and EP vice-president Miguel Ángel Martínez Martínez (aged 69), Spanish parliamentarian Carmen Romero López (aged 63), current MEP Alejandro Cercas (lawyer, aged 60), current MEP Iratxe García Pérez (aged 34), Enrique Guerrero Salom, current MEP Inés Ayala Sender (aged 52), current MEP Antolín Sánchez Presedo (lawyer, 54), Juan Andrés Perelló Rodríguez, current MEP Raimon Obiols I Germa (aged 68), former chair of the Conference of Presidents of the Delegations of the EP and chair of the EP Delegation for Relations with Central American Countries, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial, Josefa Andrés Baréa, current MEP Luis Yañez Barnuevo (gynecologist, 66), former secretary of state for international cooperation and Latin America, current MEP Antonio Masip Hidalgo (lawyer, 63), current MEP Emilio Menéndez del Valle (aged 64), María Muñiz De Urquiza, current MEP Teresa Riera Madurell (doctor of mathematics, aged 58), Ricardo Cortes Lastra, Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto, current MEP Vicente Garcés Ramón (agronomist, aged 62) and current MEP Francisca Pleguezuelos Aguilar (aged 58).

Europa de los pueblos-Verdes (Alliance of a Catalan party, a Galician party and the Greens). Top of the list is freelance historian Oriol Junqueras, followed by Oriol Junqueras Vies, former MEP (BNG) Ana Miranda Paz and Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Fernández.

The Left Coalition (IU-ICV-EUiA-BA) of the United Left (IU), the Catalonia Initiative/The Greens (ICV), the United and Alternative Left of Catalonia (EUiA) and the Asturias Block (BA). Top of the Left Coalition's list is current MEP (GUE/GVN) Willy Meyer Pleite (aged 57), followed by current MEP Raül Romeva Rueda (aged 38) and Marta Pulgar García.

The European Coalition. Comprising the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia (CDC), the Democratic Union of Catalonia, the Basque Nationalist Party, the Valenian Nationalist Block, the Majorca Union, the Coalition of the Canaries and the Andalucian Pact. Economist Ramon Tremosa is top of the list, followed by Izaskun Bilbao Barandika, Salvador Sedó i Alabart and Claudina Morales Rodríguez.

Union, Progress and Democracy. Francisco Sosa Wagner, university lecturer in administrative law, is head of the list, followed by Fernando Maura Barandiarán and Álvaro Ballesteros Cuberos.

Other lists: The Greens (Kristien Lesage); Feminist Initiative (IF); International Solidarity and Self-Management (SAin); Libertas (Miguel Duran Campos); Anti-Bullfight Party against Animal Cruelty; and Ciudadanos Agobiados y Cabreados (Concerned and Disgruntled Citizens).

ESTONIA

7 June 2009

6 seats to be filled

Electoral system: list-based ballot; proportional representation using the d'Hondt system.

11 political parties and 6 independents are fielding a total of 101 candidates.

Russian Party of Estonia: Stanislav Tšerepanov, Genadi Afanassjev and Lev Tolstoi.

The Farmers' Assembly: Mart-Olav Niklus and Kalju Mätik.

The Estonian People's Union (ERL): Anto Liivat, Karel Rüütli and Jekaterina Golubtsova.

Centre Party (Keskerakond): Edgar Savisaar; current MEP in the ADDE Siiri Oviir (lawyer, 61), former social welfare minister and then social affairs minister; Vilja Savisaar and Jüri Ratas.

Union for the Fatherland-Res Publica (IRL): Current MEP Tunne Kelam (PPE-DE, 72), Marko Mihkelson, Karoli Hindriks and Andres Herkel.

Reform Party (RE): Kristiina Ojuland, Urmas Paet and Igor Gräzin.

United Left Party: Georgi Bõstrov and Vladimir Iljaševitš.

The Christian Democratic Party: Peeter Võsu and Toivo Teekel.

The Social Democratic Party (SDE): Ivari Padar, current MEP in the PES Katrin Saks (journalist, aged 52), current MEP in the PES Marianne Mikko (journalist, aged 48), chair of the EP Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, and Sven Mikser.

The Estonian Green Party (ERR): Marek Strandberg and Peep Mardiste.

Libertas: Jüri Heldur Estam and Jaanus Glaase.

FINLAND

7 June 2009

13 seats to be filled (-1)

Electoral system: open list-based ballot with preferential voting, proporational allocation using d'Hondt system

Kansallinen Kokoomus (conservatives). On the list are current MEPs Ville Itälä (lawyer, 50), Eija-Riitta Korhola (aged 50), Sirpa Pietikäinen (aged 50), Eva-Riitta Siitonen (aged 69) and former champion rally driver who was elected in France in 2004 Ari Vatanen (aged 57). There is also an advisor on European affairs at the ministry of agriculture, Ukko Metsola, and the manager of an EU regional information office, Riika Railimo (aged 33).

Suomen Keskusta (centre): Current MEP and former prime minister Anneli Jäätteenmäki (aged 54), Esa Härmälä (agronomist, aged 55), who chaired the Union of Farmers and Foresters for twelve years, journalist Johanna Korhonen, who was recently in the news when the owner of a newspaper refused to let him take up his post as editor-in-chief because of his homosexuality, current MEP Hannu Takkula (aged 46) and former first lady Merja Vanhanen.

Suomen Sosialdemokraattinen Puolue (social democrats): Former finance and social issues minister Arja Alho, parliamentarian and former athlete Arto Bryggare, parliamentarian and former Member of the European Convention Kimmo Kiljunen, diplomat Petra Paasilinna (daugher of a current MEP), Orthodox priest Mitro Repo and Finnish parliamentarian Satu Taiveaho.

Vihreä liitto (Greens): The list includes current MEP Satu Hassi, former environment minister (aged 58), current labour minister Tarja Cronberg, Palestinian writer Umayya Abu-Hanna and former MEP and former co-president of the EP's Greens (1995-2002) Heidi Hautala (aged 54), who is now a Finnish parliamentarian.

Vasemmistoliitto (left alliance): The list includes judge Annika Lapintie, Finnish parliamentarian, the parliamentary assistant of current MEP Esko Seppanen who is not standing in these elections, Anna Mikkola (aged 28) and Finnish parliamentarian Pentti Tiusanen (surgeon).

Svenska folkpartiet (Swedish People's Party): The list includes three journalists: Björn Mansson, Päivi Storgard and Nils Torvalds, and Nina af Enehjelm, the wife of Finland's most popular singer.

Suomen Kristillisdemokraatit (Christian Democrats): Former athlete and parliamentarian Sari Essayah.

Other lists: Köyhien Asialla (Party for the People); Suomen Työväenpuolue (Workers' Party of Finland) with Pekka Tiainen; Suomen Kommunistinen Puolue (Finnish Communist Party) with Kari Peitsamo (Finnish soft punk musician, aged 52); Suomen Senioripuolue (Senior Party); Perussuomalaiset - Sannfinländarna (Party of Original Finns - a nationalist and Eurosceptic party) with national parliamentarian Timo Soini; and Itsenäisyyspuolue (Independence Party - anti-European).

FRANCE

7 June 2009

72 seats to be filled (-6), rising to 74 when the Lisbon Treaty comes into force

Electoral system: list-based ballot; proportional representation; 5% minimum

In France, MEPs are elected regionally with European election constituencies comprising 8 national constituencies. There are 10 seats for the northern constituency, 9 for the western, 9 for the eastern, 10 for the south-western, 5 for the Massif Central-Centre, 13 for the south-eastern, 13 for Ile-de-France (including Paris) and 3 for overseas territories. The election details for parliamentarians who may take office after the new treaty comes into force have yet to be defined.

I - NORTH WEST (10 seats)

Union pour un Mouvement Populaire (UMP): Mayor of Valenciennes Dominique Riquet (urologist and surgeon, aged 62) is top of the list, followed by current MEP Tokia Saïfi (aged 49), former secretary of state for sustainable development. Current MEP Jean-Paul Gauzès (aged 61) is third.

Mouvement Démocrate (Modem): Top of the list is Corinne Lepage, former environment minister. Olivier Henno, mayor of Saint André Lez Lille.

Parti Socialiste (PS): Gilles Pargneaux, first federal secretary of the North; Estelle Grelier, president of the Fécamp community area; and current MEP Jean-Louis Cottigny,

Libertas (MPF and CPNT): Frédéric Nihous, who chairs hunting group 'Chasse-Pêche-Nature-Traditions,' and was a presidential candidate in 2007.

Nouveau Parti Anticapitaliste (NPA): Christine Poupin, technician in the chemical industry.

Front de Gauche (PCF and Parti de Gauche): Current MEP Jacky Hénin, former Communist mayor of Calais (aged 49); and Michèle Hernis.

Front National (FN): Marine Le Pen, executive vice-presdient of the FN, and Wallerand de Saint Just (lawyer), FN vice-president.

Europe Ecologie: Current MEP Hélène Flautre (aged 51), who chaired the EP's Human Rights Subcommittee, and François Dufour, former spokesperson for the 'Confédération Paysanne'.

Lutte Ouvrière (LO): Éric Pecqueur, who works in the car industry.

Debout la République: Thierry Grégoire, hotel owner.

Other lists: Alliance Ecologiste Indépendante (MEI, Génération Ecologie and France en Action); current MEP Carl Lang (aged 52), formerly of the Front National, is head of the list of the Parti de la France; Europe Démocratie Espéranto (EDE).

II - WEST (9 seats)

UMP: Top of the list is Christophe Béchu (aged 35), president of the general council of Maine-et-Loire. Current MEP Elisabeth Morin (aged 61), former president of the Regional Council of Poitou-Charentes, is second on the list, and Alain Cadec (former deputy mayor for St Brieuc, 55) is third.

Modem: Sylvie Goulard, president of the Mouvement Européen and lecturer at the Paris 'Institut d'Etudes Politiques'; and Bruno Joncour, mayor of Saint-Brieuc.

PS: Current MEP Bernadette Vergnaud (aged 59); current MEP Stéphane Le Foll (aged 49); and Isabelle Thomas, PS national secretary for maritime issues.

Libertas: Current MEP Philippe de Villiers (aged 60), president of the Mouvement pour la France, is followed by Sophie Mevel in second place.

NPA: Laurence Debouard, healthcare manager.

Front de Gauche: Jacques Généreux, economist.

FN: Brigitte Neveux, FN candidate for Vendée in the 2007 general elections.

Europe Ecologie: Yannick Jadot, former Greenpeace programme director, Nicole Kiil Nielsen, former deputy (The Greens), mayor of Rennes.

LO: Valérie Hamon, train driver.

Debout la République: Christian Lechevallier, lecturer in law.

III - EAST (9 seats)

UMP: Current MEP Joseph Daul (aged 62), chair of the EPP-ED at the European Parliament, is top of the list, followed by current MEP Véronique Mathieu (aged 53) and Arnaud Danjean (aged 38), who used to work for DGSE. Deputy mayor of Mulhouse Michèle Striffler (Gauche Moderne) is fourth on the list.

Modem: Political journalist Jean-François Kahn, founder of Marianne; current MEP Nathalie Griesbeck (aged 53) and Yann Wehrling, former national secretary of the Greens.

PS: Current MEP Catherine Trautmann, former culture minister and former mayor of Strasbourg (aged 58); Liem Hoang Ngoc, economist and deputy national party secretary; and Aurélie Filippetti, parliamentarian for the Moselle region.

Libertas: Christophe Beaudouin, lawyer, director of the 'Observatoire de l'Europe'.

NPA: Yvan Zimmermann (car industry worker).

Front de Gauche: Hélène Franco, former general secretary of the 'Syndicat de la Magistrature'.

FN: Current MEP Bruno Gollnisch (aged 59), executive vice-president of the FN, and Bruno Subtil, regional councillor for Champagne-Ardenne.

Europe Ecologie: Sandrine Bélier, former federal director of France Nature Environnement, and Jacques Muller, senator and Green mayor of Watwiller (Haut-Rhin).

LO: Claire Rocher (nurse).

Debout la République: Jean-Pierre Gérard, entrepreneur.

IV - SOUTH-WEST (10 seats)

UMP: Former mayor of Toulouse and former MEP Dominique Baudis (aged 62), president of the 'Institut du Monde Arabe,' is top of the list, followed by current MEP Christine De Veyrac (aged 49). Current MEP and former minister Alain Lamassourre (aged 65) is no higher than third on the list.

Modem: The list is headed by Robert Rochefort (director of CREDOC) and current MEP Anne Laperrouze (aged 53).

PS: Current MEP Kader Arif (aged 50); current MEP Françoise Castex (aged 53); and Eric Andrieu, vice-president of the region of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Libertas: Eddie Puyjalon, CPNT secretary general, is joined by Marie-Pierre Chaumette (teacher of French).

NPA: Myriam Martin, teacher at a training college.

Front de Gauche: Jean-Luc Mélenchon, senator and founder of the 'Parti de Gauche'.

FN: Louis Aliot, FN secretary general.

Europe Ecologie: José Bové, agricultural activist and former spokesman for 'Confédération Paysanne,' candidate for the presidential elections in 2007; Catherine Grèze, delegate for the International, Europe and Overseas Territories on the Greens' executive bureau and coordinator of the World Green Party.

LO: Sandra Torremocha, teacher.

Debout la République: Henri Temple, lecturer in law.

V - SOUTH-EAST (13 seats)

UMP: Current MEP Françoise Grossetête (aged 63) is head of the UMP list, followed by Damien Abad (a 29 year old disabled man, president of the Jeunes Centristes) and current MEP Dominique Vlasto (deputy mayor of Marseilles, aged 62).

Modem: Current MEP Jean-Luc Bennahmias (aged 55), former secretary general of the Greens; Fabienne Faure, president of the MoDem group in the region of Rhône-Alpes.

PS: Current MEP Vincent Peillon (aged 49) is top of the list. Also on the list are Sylvie Guillaume, regional councillor in Rhône-Alpes; and Karim Zeribi, chair of transport for Marseilles.

Libertas: Current MEP Patrick Louis (aged 54)

NPA: Raoul Marc Jennar, political analyst and activist for alternative models of society.

Front de Gauche: Marie-Christine Vergiat, feminist and human rights activist, and Karim Ghendouf.

FN: Current MEP Jean-Marie Le Pen (81) president of the FN; current MEP Lydia Schénardi (aged 57); Olivier Martinelli, head of Jean-Marie Le Pen's office and FN leader with responsibility for Corsica.

Europe Ecologie: Michèle Rivasi, deputy mayor of Valence, general councillor; François Alfonsi, mayor of Osani in southern Corsica, spokesperson for 'Régions and Peuples Solidaires'.

LO: Nathalie Arthaud, teacher and LO spokesperson;

Debout la République: Michèle Vianès, school teacher.

VI - MASSIF CENTRAL-CENTRE (5 seats)

UMP: The list is headed by current MEP Jean-Pierre Audy (accountant, aged 57), followed by Sophie Auconie (aged 45), municipal councillor in Tours, and labour, social relations, family, solidarity and cities minister Brice Hortefeux (aged 51).

Modem: Current MEP Jean-Marie Beaupuy (aged 66) and Chérifa Adaissi, former deputy mayor of Blois.

PS: Current MEP Henri Weber (aged 65) and Cécile Jonathan, deputy mayor of Tours;

Libertas: Véronique Goncalvès, lawyer.

NPA: Christian N'Guyen, temporary worker in education

Front de Gauche: Marie-France Beaufils, senator and PCF mayor of Saint-Pierre-des-Corps; Patrick Charles, deputy mayor of Limoges, member of 'Alternative démocratie socialisme'.

FN: Patrick Bourson, vineyard owner and wine trader.

Europe Ecologie: Jean-Paul Besset, former spokesperson for the Hulot Foundation and former journalist.

LO: Marie Savre, lecturer in construction work.

Debout la République: Jean Barrat, entrepreneur.

VII - ILE-DE-FRANCE (13 seats)

UMP: Agriculture and fisheries minister Michel Barnier (aged 58), former EU Commissioner, is top of the list, followed by the Guardian of the Seals Rachida Dati (aged 43) and current MEP Jean-Marie Cavada (former journalist, aged 69) in third position, who is eligible for the 'Nouveau Centre'.

Modem: Current MEP Marielle de Sarnez (aged 58), vice-president of the Mouvement Démocrate; current MEP Bernard Lehideux (aged 65); and Fadila Mehal, president and founder of the association 'Les Mariannes de la Diversité'.

PS: Current MEPs Harlem Désir (aged 50), Pervenche Bérès (aged 52), chair of the EP's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee in the sixth European Parliament, and Benoît Hamon (aged 42).

Libertas: Jérôme Rivière, former UMP parliamentarian for Alpes-Maritimes.

NPA: Omar Slaouti, lecturer in further education.

Front de Gauche: Patrick Le Hyaric, editor of the L'Humanité newspaper; and Raquel Garrido, national secretary of the Parti de gauche (PG).

FN: Jean-Michel Dubois, entrepreneur, vice-treasurer of the Front National.

Europe Ecologie: Daniel Cohn-Bendit (aged 64), co-president of the Greens/EFA group, elected as an MEP in Germany in 2004, and Eva Joly, erstwhile magistrate.

LO: Jean-Pierre Mercier, worker in the car industry.

Debout la République: Jean-Pierre Enjalbert, mayor of Saint-Prix (Val-d'Oise).

VIII - OVERSEAS TERRITORIES

(3 seats for the three regions - the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific)

Alliance des Outre-mers (comprising several important local parties like the PCR of La Réunion, the PSG in Guyana and the RDM in Martinique). The list is headed by Elie Hoarau of La Réunion (aged 71), former parliamentarian for the French National Assembly, followed by current MEP in the GUE/NGL group, Madeleine Jouyé de Grandmaison (of Martinique, aged 71), and Hirohiti Teffaarere for the Pacific.

UMP: Top of the list is Marie-Luce Penchard (aged 50), national secretary of the UMP for the overseas territories, daughter of the former president of the region of Guadeloupe, Lucette Michaux Chevry. Next on the list are Maurice Ponga, member of the government of New Caledonia, and Yolaine Costes for the Indian Ocean.

PS: Ericka Bareigts (aged 42), deputy mayor of Saint-Denis de la Réunion.

Libertas: Erika Kuttner-Perreau, editor of La Gazette des Caraïbes.

FN: Roger Holeindre, first vice-president of the FN.

Europe Ecologie: Harry Durimel (lawyer, Guadeloupe).

GREECE

7 June 2009

22 seats to be filled (-2)

Electoral system: list-based ballot in a single constituency; proportional representation; 3% minimum.

Nouvelle Démocratie (Christian Democrats): Top of the list is former MEP Marieta Giannakou (aged 58) and former health minister and education minister. Next are current MEP Rodi Kratsa (aged 56), first vice-president, current MEP Georges Papastamkos (aged 54), trade unionist Kostas Poupakis, foreign ministry spokesperson Georges Koumoutsakos, foreign ministry secretary general Theodore Skylakakis, Georges Papanikolaou (lawyer), Ioannis Tsoukalas, Stavros Papastravou (lawyer) and Aliki Moschi, winner of the Woman of Europe prize in 2004.

PASOK (socialists): Greek parliamentarian Georges Papakonstantinou (economist) is top of the list, followed by Greek parliamentarian Sylvana Rapti (former journalist), current MEP Stavros Lambrinidis (aged 47), Chryssoula Saatsoglou-Paliadeli, Georges Stavrakakis (seismologist), current MEP Marilena Koppa (aged 46), current MEP Anny Podimata (aged 47), Kritonas Arsenis, mayor of Chersonisos-Iraklion (Crete), Spyros Danellis (architect) and Dimitris Droutsas.

KKE (communists): The list headed by current MEP Thanassis Pafilis (aged 55) also includes current MEP Georges Toussas (aged 55) and Babis Aggourakis.

Syriza (left coalition group): Nikos Houndis, Eleni Sotiriou and current MEP Dimitrios Papadimoulis (aged 54).

Laos (Popular Orthodox Grouping): Top of the list is former ND Greek parliamentarian, Niki Tzavela.

The Greens: Top of the list is Michalis Tremopoulos.

HUNGARY

4 June 2009

22 seats to be filled (-2)

Electoral system: list-based ballot; proportional representation using the d'Hondt rule; 5% minimum

Combined list FIDESZ-KDNP (Fidesz-Magyar Polgári Szövetség / Kereszténydemokrata Néppárt; conservatives and Christian Democrats). Current MEP Pál Schmitt (aged 67), current MEP József Szájer (aged 48), current MEP Kinga Gál (aged 39), János Áder, former president (1998 - 2002, aged 50), current MEP László Surján (aged 68), Tamás Deutsch (aged 43), current MEP Renáta Járóka (aged 35), current MEP András Schöpflin (aged 70), current MEP János Gyürk (aged 37), current MEP György Õry (aged 57), current MEP Béla Glattfelder (aged 47), Ádám Kósa (lawyer, aged 34), current MEP Etelka Barsi-Pataky (aged 68), current MEP László Becsey (aged 45), current MEP Antonio De Blasio (aged 54) and current MEP Péter Olajos (aged 41).

Socialist list MSZP (MAGYAR SZOCIALISTA PART). Mária Göncz, current MEP Edit Herczog (aged 48), current MEP Zita Gulyásné (aged 44), current MEP Sándor Tabajdi (aged 57), current MEP Gyula Hegyi (aged 58), current MEP Szabolcs Fazakas (aged 62), Gyula Cserei, Mihály Kökény, current MEP István Harangozó (aged 34), current MEP Csilla Dobolyi (aged 38), current MEP Virginia Lévai (aged 55) and Béla Baráth.

Liberal list SZDSZ (Szabad Demokraták Szövetsége): Current MEP Csaba Szent-Iványi (51), Gabriella Béki and Gábor Demszky.

Roma list MCF ROMA Ö (MCF ROMA ÖSSZEFOGAS PART): Zsolt Kis.

Communist list MUNKASPART (MAGYAR KOMMUNISTA MUNKASPART). Gyula Thürmer (aged 56) and Attila Gilicze (35).

Nationalist far-right list JOBBIK (JOBBIK MAGYARORSZAGERT MOZGALOM). Krisztina Morvai.

Ecologist list LMP-HP (HUMANISTA PÁRT / LEHET MÁS A POLITIKA): Timea Szabó.

Centrist list MDF (MAGYAR DEMOKRATA FÓRUM): András Bokros.

IRELAND

5 June 2009

12 seats to be filled (-1)

Electoral system: single transferable vote (very similar to the proportional system whereby number of votes cast + 1 = quota of seats +1)

On 5 June 2009, the Irish will also be voting in local elections. Fine Gael (FG, part of the EPP-ED), the main opposition party, is campaigning aggressively against Fianna Fail, which is currently in power (FF left UEN at the EP to join ALDE). The Libertas movement against the Lisbon Treaty will be fielding a list of candidates for the first time in two constituencies. Libertas founder, tycoon Declan Ganley, is standing in the Northwest constituency and has made it clear that he will drop his campaign against the Lisbon Treaty if he does not win a seat at the European Parliament.

Ireland is divided into 4 constituencies:

Dublin (3 seats): Current MEP Gay Mitchell (aged 58), former mayor of Dublin and former minister for European affairs, is the Fine Gael candidate, challenging current MEP Eoin Ryan (former minister for local development with responsibility for drugs from 2000 to 2004, aged 56) and Eibhlin Byrne (mayor of Dublin) of Fianna Fail (losing ground in the opinion polls). The Labour Party (Lab) candidate, expected in the polls to get 22% of the vote, is current MEP Proinsias De Rossa (aged 69), former social affairs minister (1994-1997) and Member of the European Convention. Sinn Fein (SF, member of GUE at the EP), a far left party opposing the Lisbon Treaty and taking advantage of FF's loss of popularity, is fielding current MEP Mary Lou McDonald (aged 40). The Socialist Party (SP) is fielding activist Joe Higgins, and the Greens are fielding senator Déirdre De Búrca. The Libertas candidate is Caroline Simons.

East (3 seats): FG is fielding senator John-Paul Phelan and current MEP Mairead McGuinness (former journalist specialising in farming, aged 50). Current MEP Liam Aylward (aged 56) is standing for FF (he was fisheries minister in 1992-1994, and then youth and sports minsiter), along with Thomas Byrne. Teacher Thomas Sharkey and trade unionist Kathleen Funchion are the SF candidates. Nessa Childers is standing for Labour and Ray O'Malley (farmer and businessman) is standing for Libertas.

Northwest (3 seats): Current MEP Jim Higgins (aged 64), former finance minister, defence minister and secretary of state for the treasury, is standing for FG, along with senator Joe O'Reilly. FF is fielding former MEP Pat “The Cope” Gallagher, journalist Paschal Canice Mooney and writer Fiachra Ó Luain. SF is fielding Pádraig Mac Lochlainn. Current MEP Marian Harkin (maths teacher, aged 55) is standing as an independent. Journalist Susan O'Keeffe is standing for Labour and tycoon Declan Ganley is standng for Libertas.

South (3 seats): Current MEP Colm Burke (lawyer, 52) is standing for FG, along with Sean Kelly (farmer). Current MEP Brian Crowley (lawyer, 45), member of the state council, and Ned O'Keefe (farmer) are standing for FF and academic Toireasa Ferry is standing for SF. Current MEP Kathy Sinnott (aged 58) is standing again as an independent, while senator Dan Boyle is standing for the Greens.

ITALY

6-7 June 2009

72 seats to be filled (-6), rising to 73 when the Lisbon Treaty comes into force

Electoral system: the fully proportional system was changed by the Italian parliament on 20 February 2009, introducing a 4% national minimum that has to be reached in order for a party to have an MEP.

The three ruling parties (PdL, PD and the Northern League) are favourites in the opinion polls for all five of Italy's constituencies:

I - CENTRAL ITALY (14 seats)

The People of Liberty (PdL): Expected to get a little over 40% of the vote according to opinion polls, the new party of Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi hopes to win hands down over the Italian left. PdL was formed upon the merger of Forza Italia and the party of Gianfranco Fini, Alleanza Nazionale. Silvio Berlusconi (aged 72), Italy's prime minister, is top of the list in all five constituencies despite the fact that if prime ministers win, they cannot become MEPs. Next on the list in central Italy is current MEP Roberta Angelilli (aged 44), current MEP Stefano Zappalà (aged 68), current MEP Alfredo Antoniozzi (aged 53), Lucio Barani, current MEP Paolo Bartolozzi (aged 52), Alessandro Calcagno and Carlo De Romanis.

The Democratic Party (PD): The PD, headed by Dario Franceschini, is expected to win between 23% and 27% according to opinion polls.

Journalist David Sassoli is top of the list, followed by Leonardo Domenici (trade unionist), Silvia Costa (regional alderman), current MEP Catiuscia Marini (aged 42), Palmiro Ucchielli (president of the province of Pesaro) and current MEP Monica Giuntini (aged 46).

The Northern League: Polls suggest the party will get from 9% to 11% of the vote. Reform miinister and head of the Northern League Umberto Bossi (aged 67) is top of the list in all 5 constituencies. He is followed in central Italy by current MEP Mario Borghezio (aged 61), Francesco Miroballo (aged 47), Claudio Morganti (aged 36) and Gabriella Stella (aged 37).

Italy of Values (IDV): IDV is part of the ELDR liberal European group and polls suggest it will get between 7 and 9% of the vote. Top of the list in central Italy is the party's president and founder, Antonio Di Pietro (aged 58), who is also top of the list in most other constituencies. He is followed in central Italy by the deputy general secretary of the ALDE bureau, Niccolò Rinaldi (aged 46), magistrate Luigi de Magistris, Sonia Alfano (civil servant, aged 37), Paolo Brutti (doctor of mathematics, aged 67), Nicola Tranfaglia (academic, aged 70) and Pietro Adami (lawyer, aged 42).

UDC (Union of Christian Democrats and the Centre): Current MEP Carlo Casini (aged 74), former Chamber parliamentarian and former advisor to the Supreme Court, is head of the list, followed by Luciona Cocchetti (aged 51) and Giovanni Rivera (aged 65).

Sinistra e Liberta (SL): The centre-left 'Left and Liberty' electoral coalition was formed on 16 March 2009 in an attempt to reach the 4% minimum for European elections. Recent polls suggest it will get around 6% of the vote. It comprises 5 different parties: the Federation of the Greens, the Movement for the Left, the Socialist Pact, the Democratic Left and Unite the Left. Top of the five parties' combined SL list in central Italy is journalist on Communist newspaper il Manifesto, Giuliana Sgrena (aged 60), famous for being taken hostage in Iraq on 4 February 2005. Next are the president of the Puglia region, Nicola Vendola (aged 50), current MEP Claudio Fava (aged 52), current MEP Umberto Guidoni (astronaut, aged 54), cartoonist Sergio Staino (aged 68), current MEP Roberto Musacchio (aged 52), Simonetta Salacone (headmistress of an infants' school) and current MEP Alessandro Battilocchio (aged 32).

II - SARDINIA AND SICILY

The People of Liberty (PdL): After Silvio Berlusconi, there is current MEP Maddalena Calia (aged 51), followed by Michele Cimino, Salvatore Iacolino and Giovanni La Via detto Lavia.

The Democratic Party (PD): Top of the list is Rita Borsellino, the sister of a judge assassinated by the Mafia, followed by Franscesca Barracciu (regional councillor), Giovanni Barbagallo (parliamentarian) and Mariolina Bono (vice-president of the regional assembly).

The Northern League: Next on the list after Umberto Bossi is Matteo Brigandi' (aged 57), followed by Angela Maraventano (aged 44) and de Mauro Morle' (aged 48).

IDV: Lecturer in regional public law Leoluca Orlando (aged 61) is top of the list, followed by the president and founder of Italy of Values, Antonio Di Pietro (aged 58), then Sonia Alfano (civil servant, aged 37) and Emilio Arcuri (doctor, aged 57).

UDC: Saverio Romano (aged 44) is top of the list, followed by Giuseppe Naro (aged 61).

SL: Nicola Vendola and Claudio Fava head the list, followed by Angela Borhera (member of an association caring for the disabled) and lawyer Luigi Cogodi (former parliamentarian in the Chamber).

III - SOUTHERN ITALY (18 seats)

The People of Liberty (PdL): Next on the list after Silvio Berlusconi is current MEP Salvatore Tatarella (aged 62), followed by Raffaele Baldassarre, current MEP Giuseppe Gargani (lawyer, 74), Franco Malvano, Giocomo Mancini, Mario Clemente Mastella and Barbara Matera.

PD: Paolo De Castro is top of the list, followed by 'Il Mattino' journalist Rosaria Capacchione, current MEP Gianni Pittella (aged 51), current MEP Maria Grazia Pagano (aged 63), current MEP Andrea Losco (aged 58), current MEP Vincenzo Lavarra (aged 55) and Liliana Frasca' (regional alderman).

The Northern League: Second on the list is Francesco Speroni (aged 62), who is followed by Marcello Ferraina (aged 40), Massimo detto Massimo Pichiecchio (aged 58) and Leonardo Falcetta (aged 38).

IDV: Antonio di Pietro, Luigi de Magistris and Sonia Alfano are followed by Pino Arlacchi (sociologist, aged 58) and Aldo Michele Radice (president of the region of Basilicata, aged 60).

UDC: Luigi Ciriaco De Mita (aged 81) is top of the list, followed by Angelo Maria Sanza (aged 67), Gino Trematerra (aged 68) and Angelo Cera (aged 57).

SL: Nicola Vendola is followed by Marco Di Lello, president of the province of Naples Riccardo Di Palma and former mayor of Cosenza Evelina Catizone.

IV - NORTH-WEST ITALY (19 seats)

The People of Liberty (PdL): Next on the list after Silvio Berlusconi is former MEP Ignazio La Russa, followed by current MEP Mario Mauro (aged 48), current MEP Cristiana Muscardini (aged 61), current MEP Gabriele Albertini (aged 58), Valentina Aprea, Fabrizio Bertot, current MEP Vito Bonsignore (aged 66), Elena Centemero and Maristella Cipriani.

PD: Trade unionist Sergio Cofferati is top of the list, followed by current MEP Patrizia Toia (aged 59), current MEP Gianluca Susta (aged 53), current MEP Antonio Panzeri (aged 54), president of the Cinque Terre national park Franco Bonanini, current MEP Francesco Ferrari (aged 53) and Franscesca Balzani (aged 42).

The Northern League: Second on the list is Matteo Salvini (aged 36), who is followed by current MEP Mario Borghezio (lawyer, aged 61), Oreste detto Tino Rossi (aged 45), Fiorello Provera (aged 63), current MEP Francesco Enrico Speroni (aged 62), former institutional reform minister, and Sonia Vale (aged 42).

IDV: Antonio Di Pietro is top of the list, followed by Luigi de Magistris (magistrate, aged 42), Gianteresio Vattimo (philosopher, aged 73), Carlo Vulpio (journalist, aged 49) and Maurizio Zipponi (trade unionist, aged 54).

UDC: Magdi Cristiani Allam (aged 57) is top of the list, followed in second place by none other than the grandson of Italy's last king, Umberto II, namely Prince Emmanuel-Philibert of Savoie (aged 36). Third on the list is current MEP Antonio Mussa (surgeon, aged 68) and fourth is Deodato Scanderebech (aged 59).

SL: Current MEP and co-president of the Green Group at the European Parliament, Monica Frassoni (aged 45), is head of the list for the left. She is followed by current MEP Pia Elda Locatelli (aged 59), chair of the EP's Delegation for Relations with NATO's Parliamentary Assembly. Nicola Vendola and Claudio Fava are third and fourth, while children's author Bianca Pitzorno is in fifth place.

V - NORTH EAST ITALY (13 seats)

The People of Liberty (PdL): Next after Silvio Berlusconi is Alberto Balboni, followed by current MEP Sergio Berlato, Micaela Biancofiore, Laura Calo', Antonio Cancian and Giovanni Collino. Current MEP Elisabetta Gardini (aged 53) is low on the list (in tenth place) while current MEP Amalia Sartori (aged 62) is bottom of the list.

PD: Former public education minister Luigi Berlinguer (aged 77) is top of the list, followed by Salvatore Caronna (PD secretary general), Debora Serracchiani, Gabriele Frigato, current MEP Vittorio Prodi (aged 72), chair of the EP's Delegation for Relations with South Africa, Laura Puppato (mayor of Montebelluna) and Luciano Vecchi (former MEP in the fourth EP).

The Northern League: Second on the list is Forenzo Fontana (aged 29), followed by Giancarlo Scotta' (aged 56), Marco Lusetti (aged 35), Enzo Bortolotti (aged 52), Roberto Ciambetti (aged 43) and current MEP Enzo Erminio Boso (aged 64).

IDV: Antonio Di Pietro is top of the list, followd by Gustavo Franchetto (journalist, aged 56), Luigi de Magistris, Giorgio Pressburger (journalist, aged 72) and Georg Schedereit (journalist, aged 60).

UDC: Gian Luigi Gigli (aged 56), Iles Barghetto (aged 56) and Ugo Bergamo (aged 57).

SL: Spokesperson for the peace group Tavolo per la Pace, Lisa Pelleti Clark, is top of the list, followed by Nicola Vendola, current Green MEP Josef Kusstatscher (aged 62), scientist Carlo Flamigni and lawyer Renate Holzeisen.

Below 4% (or thereabouts) in the opinion polls are the following parties: The Autonomy Poll and the Anti-Capitalist Alliance (comprising Rifondazione Communista and the Italian Communist Party). The Italian Radicals seem to be well below 3%, and the Social Movement - Flamme Tricolore below 1%.

LATVIA

6 June 2009

8 seats to be filled (-1), rising to 9 when the Lisbon Treaty comes into force.

Electoral system: list-based ballot; proportional representation; 5% minimum

Latvia is the EU Member State suffering the most from the economic crisis, leading to riots in Riga in protest at the incompetence of politicians who have allowed the country to sink. Nicknamed the 'Baltic Tiger' in the past, Latvia is being bailed out by IMF loans to the tune of 1.68 billion dollars, and EU loans (3.1 billion). The political crisis in the country sparked by the economic crisis led to the resignation on 20 February 2009 of prime minister Ivars Godmanis, who has been replaced by current MEP and former finance minister Valdis Dombrovskis (member of the centre-right New Era party).

There are 17 lists of candidates for the 8 seats at the European Parliament:

New Era (JL, part of the EPP-ED). This party comes top in the polls with 20.4%. Its list is topped by Saiema parliamentarian and former economics minister (2004-2006) Arturs Kriðjânis Kariòð (aged 44), followed by parliamentarians Ainars Latkovskis (aged 42) and Ingrîda Circene (aged 53), finance ministry advisor Uldis Šalajevs (aged 26) and parliamentarian Silva Bendrâte (aged 53).

Centre of Harmony (SC). This Russian-speaking party is led by former First Baltic Channel journalist Nils Usakovs, and is neck-and-neck in the opinion polls with New Era. SC won a surprise 14.46% of the votes in the October 2006 general elections. Top of the SC list is Alfred Rubiks (pensioner, aged 74), imprisoned in 1991 (released in 1997) for supporting the Soviet crackdown on the Latvian independence movement. Next on the list are Boriss Cileviès (aged 53), Nikolajs Kabanovs (aged 39) and Sergejs Mirskis (aged 57).

Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS). This is a merger of two Latvian parties created in 2002 and expected to get 14.6% of the vote according to opinion polls. Top of the list is parliamentarian and economics lecturer Baiba Rivza (aged 59), followed by Saeima parliamentarian Andris Bçrziòð (aged 54), former MEP (1999-2004) Aleksandrs Kiršteins (aged 60), Rûta Bendere (member of the Academic Institute of Energy, aged 58) and parliamentarian Staòislavs Ðíesters (aged 51).

The People's Party (TP, part of the EPP-ED). Top of the list is current MEP Rihards Pîks (aged 67), former culture minister (96-97), foreign minister (in 2004) and cinema operator, director and producer (1961-1993). He is followed by parliamentarian Vaira Paegle (aged 68), parliamentarian Vineta Muižniece (aged 52) and Mârtiòð Zemîtis (lawyer, aged 31).

The list For Human Rights in a United Latvia (PCTVL, part of the Greens/EFA at the EP, is headed by current MEP Tatjana Ždanoka (doctor of mathematics, aged 59), followed by Italian journalist and current MEP (elected on an Italian list in 2004) Giulietto Chiesa (aged 68) and Saiema parliamentarians Juris Sokolovskis (aged 33) and Juris Sokolovskis (aged 43).

The Union for the Fatherland and Freedom (TB/LNNK - part of the UEN group) is expected to get 7.4% of the vote. Top of its list is current MEP Roberts Zîle (economist, aged 51), former finance minster (1997-1998), minister for relations with the international financial institutions (1998-2002) and transport minister (2002-2004). Also on the list is parliamentarian Dzintars Rasnaès (aged 46) and Einârs Cilinskis (aged 46).

Other lists: Current MEP Guntars Krasts (aged 51), former prime minister (1997-1998), is top of the Libertas anti-Lisbon Treaty list, followed by Juris Ozoliòð (member of EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs's office). Top of the Civic Union (part of UEN) list is former foreign minister (2002-2004) and current parliamentarian Sandra Kalniete (aged 57), followed by current MEP Inese Vaidere (state economics lecturer, aged 57), former environment minister (1998-1999). The list of the Social Democratic Party (LSDSP) is headed by Atis Lejiòð (aged 67). Top of the list of the Latvia First-Latvian Vote party (LPP/LC - member of the ALDE at the EP) is former prime minister Ivars Godmanis (aged 58).

LITHUANIA

7 June 2009

12 seats to be filled (-1)

Electoral system: list-based ballot; proportional representation; 5% minimum

17 parties are contesting the European elections this time round, five more than in 2004. Recent opinion polls put Union of the Fatherland-Conservatives see below (TS-LK) in the lead with 18% of the vote, followed by the social democrats (LSP) with 13%. Three other parties are expected to get between 8% and 9% of the votes, namely Order and Justice (TT), the Labour Party (DP) and Liberal Union-Union of the Centre (LLC-LSC). The European elections are taking place after EU Budget and Financial Planning Commissioner Dalia Grybauskaite's election as President of Lithuania.

Union for the Fatherland - Christian Democrats of Lithuania: Current MEP Vytautas Landsbergis (aged 77), former president of Lithunia and speaker of the Lithuanian parliament, current MEP Laima Andrikienë (aged 51), former industry minister, Algirdas Saudargas, former foreign minister (aged 61), Radvilë Morkûnaitë aged 25), Emanuelis Zingeris (aged 52) and Raimondas Kuodis (aged 38).

Social Democratic Party: Vilija Blinkevièiûtë, former social security and labour minister (aged 49), Justas Vincas Paleckis, deputy foreign minister from 2002 to 2004 (aged 67), Birutë Vësaitë, Member of the Lithuanian Parliament since 2000 (aged 58), Zigmantas Balèytis, former caretaker prime minister in 2006 (aged 56) and Gediminas Kirkilas, former prime minister (aged 58).

Party of Order and Justice: Rolandas Paksas (former president, aged 53), Juozas Imbrasas (aged 68), Remigijus Aèas, former presidential national security advisor (aged (47).

Labour Party: Viktor Uspaskich (former minister of the economy, aged 50), current MEP Ðarûnas Birutis (aged 48) and Kæstutis Daukðys, minister of the economy, aged 49.

Liberal and Centrist Union: Artûras ZUOKAS (aged 41), Arminas LYDEKA (aged 41) and Regimantas ÈIUPAILA, minister of the interior (aged 53).

Lithuanian Centre Party: Ona JUKNEVIÈIENË (aged 54).

Liberal Movement of Lithuania: Leonidas DONSKIS (philosopher, aged 47).

Christian Conservative Social Union: Gediminas VAGNORIUS, former prime minister (aged 52) and current MEP Danutë BUDREIKAITË (aged 56).

National Farmers' Union: Current MEP Gintaras DIDŽIOKAS (aged 43).

Other parties: Party of the Nation “Lithuania's Way”, party of the Zemaitis region (aka the Samotigiens Party), Electoral Action by Lithuania's Poles, the Party of Civic Democracy, the Frontas Party and the Party of National Resurrection.

LUXEMBOURG

7 June 2009

6 seats to be filled

Electoral system: the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a single constituency. The election takes the form of a list-based ballot with proportional representation under the d'Hondt system. The votes are cumulative with vote-splitting among lists.

The Community Party of Luxembourg (KPL d'Kommunisten): Ali Ruckert.

The Greens (déi gréng): Current MEP Claude Turmes (aged 49); Núria Garcia (aged 23); and Manuel Huss (aged 28).

The Democratic Reform Party (ADR): Jean Colombera (doctor, 55); Gast Gibéryen (aged 58); and Jacques-Yves Henckes (aged 63).

The Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP): Current MEP Robert Goebbels (aged 65); Simone Asselborn-Bintz (aged 43); and Claude Frisoni (aged 55).

The Democratic Party (DP, liberal): Former minister and current parliamentarian Charles Goerens; Véronique Bruck (student); and Léonie Grethen (notary).

The Left (déi Lénk, far left): André Hoffmann; and Manuel Da Silva Bento.

The Christian Social Party (CSV, centre right): EU Information and Media Commissioner Viviane Reding (aged 58); Georges Bach (trade unionist, aged 53); Frank Engel (lawyer, aged 34), current MEP Astrid Lulling (aged 79), who has been a parliamentarian since 1965 and an MEP since 1970; Tania Matias (aged 29) and Roger Weber (aged 58), mayor of Schengen.

The Citizens' List (Biergerlëscht, against the Lisbon Treaty and in favour of a Europe of independent states) is headed by independent parliamentarian Aly Jaerling (aged 61), followed by Tania Altmann-Giardin (employee, aged 34); José Cardoso Ramos (aged 34); Jean Ersfeld, (shopkeeper, aged 56); Jean-Marie Jacoby (journalist, 53); and Jean Speller (doctor of law, aged 62).

MALTA

6 June 2009

5 seats to be filled

Electoral system: no list of parties. Seats are allocated using single transferable votes.

Some thirty people are standing for the European elections. The Maltese Labour Party (MLP), the main opposition party, is fielding twelve candidates (three of them current MEPs) and the Nationalist Party (PN), which is in power, is fielding ten candidates (two of them current MEPs). Polls suggest the MLP will get three MEPs and the Nationalists will get the two remaining seats. Other parties fielding candidates include Democratic Alternative (AD), the Greens, the far right populist National Action (AN), set up on 9 June 2007, Libertas and the Liberals.

MLP: There are three current MEPs, namely John Attard-Montalto (lawyer, 56), former industry and economic affairs minister; Glenn Bedingfield (aged 34); and Louis Grech (economist and former bank manager, aged 62). They are followed by Claudette Abela-Baldacchino (aged 35), member of the Committee of the Regions; Greenpeace activist Steve Borg (social science researcher, aged 44); former parliamentarian Maria Camilleri (headmistress, aged 56); and former parliamentarian Joseph Cuschieri (aged 41), who handed his seat over to the party's leader, former MEP Joseph Muscat.

PN: Current MEPs David Casa (aged 40), founder and general secretary of the "Yes to Europe Movement," former executive secretary at the foreign affairs ministry (2003); and Simon Busuttil (lawyer, aged 40). Followed by Alain Deidun (university professor in biology and journalist on environmental issues); Alex Perici Calascione (lawyer); Edward Demicoli (aged 39), press attaché at the European Commission's representation office in Malta; former parliamentarian Frank Portelli (doctor of law); lawyer Marthese Portelli; and Roberta Metsola Tedesco Triccas, a lawyer working for the EU institutions.

AD: Party president Arnold Cassola (professor of comparative literature) and popular actress Yvonne Ebejer (primary school teacher, aged 43).

Other candidates: Mary Gauti is standing for Libertas. Former MEP and leader of the far right Josep Muscat is now standing for National Action.

THE NETHERLANDS

4 June 2009

25 seats to be filled (-2), rising to 26 when the Lisbon Treaty comes into force.

Electoral system: list-based ballot; preferential voting; seats allocated on a purely proportional basis using the d'Hondt system.

17 lists of parties are registered with the electoral commission. The latest polls put the Party of Freedom (PVV, populist, anti-European right) in the lead with 21.3% of the vote. The PVV leader, Geert Wilders, recently in the news with his film “Fitna,” even calls for the European Parliament to be scrapped! Next are the Christian Democrats, the CDA (19.3%), the Labour Party (PVdA: 16%), Democrats 66 (D66: 11.3%), the Socialist Party (communist, SP: 11.3%), the People's Party for Liberty and Democracy (liberal, VVD: 11%) and the Green Left (GL: 7.3%).

PVV: Parliamentarian Barry Madlener heads the list, followed by Louis Bontes; Daniël van der Stoep; Laurence Stassen; Lucas Hartong; Auke Zijlstra, Patricia van der Kammen and Gert Besselink.

CDA: Christian Democratic Appeal is led by parliamentarian Wim van de Camp (aged 55), a motorbike enthusiast. The CDA wants a stronger Netherlands in a stable EU and calls for greater European integration. Next on the list are current MEP Corien Wortmann-Koll (aged 50); current MEP Maria Martens (theologian and philosopher, 54); current MEP Esther de Lange (aged 34); current MEP Lambert van Nistelrooij (aged 56); current MEP Cornelis Visser (aged 43); Winand Quaedvlieg and Michiel Holtackers.

PVdA: Current MEP Thijs Berman (radio and TV presenter, aged 51) is top of the Labour list. Current MEP Emine Bozkurt (aged 41); current MEP Jan Cremers (aged 57); Judith Merkies, a lawyer working for the European Commission's MEDIA programme; René Cuperus, who makes no bones about being Eurosceptic; Marijke Clerx and Louis Meuleman. The party's campaign is focussing on four issues - international politics and human rights; energy; climate change; and food security.

D66: Current MEP Sophie in't Veld (former translator, aged 45) is top of the list of D66, which wants to focus on energy, security and education. Next on the list are Gerben-Jan Gerbrandij, who works for the Dutch biodiversity programme; and Gerhard Mulder, climate change expert.

VVD: Parliamentarian Hans van Baalen is top of the list for VVD, which is very sceptical about further EU enlargement and does not want a federal Europe. Next on the list are current MEP Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert (aged 36); current MEP Toine Manders (lawyer, 53); current MEP Jan Mulder (former European civil servant, aged 65) and town councillor for Groningen, Betty de Boer.

SP: Dennis de Jong (civil servant, aged 54), current MEP Kartika Liotard (aged 38) and Nicole van Gemert, who works for a development and environment charity active in central and Eastern Europe.

GL: Judith Sargentini, city councillor in Amsterdam (aged 35); and Bas Eickhout (researcher, aged 32).

CU-SGP: A coalition of the Christian Union (CU) and the Political Reform Party (SGP), whose list is headed by Peter van Dalen (civil servant, aged 50), followed by current MEP Bastiaan Belder (secondary school teacher and foreign affairs commentator, aged 62).

Other lists: Libertas is headed by Eline van den Broek and Marten Schwandt. The Newropeans list is headed by Arno Uijlenhoet (consultant, aged 40); Solidara is headed by Düzgün Yildirim and Niermala Jankie. The Party for Animals (Parti voor de Dieren), supported by several famous artists, is headed by Natasja Oerlemans. Europa Voordelig! & Duurzaam (Profitable and Durable Europe) is a party that was set up for the 2009 European elections, headed by Franck Neumann. The Greens (De Groenen) are headed by Otto ter Haar. The Liberal Democrat Party is fielding Sammy van Tuyll van Serooskerken (civil servant, aged 57), who used to work for the European Commission in Brussels and then for the Dutch Permanent Representation from 1994 to 2001, putting him top of their list. The PEP (Party for a Political Europe) has selected Nees Pellikaan. The Europese Klokkenluiders party is represented by Joeri Wiersma, Engel Vrouwe (psychologist) and Harem Wiersma, seven times world drafts champion. The Klokkenuiders (whistle-blowers) want to fight against waste, fraud, corruption and insider trading, following in the footsteps of Pim Fortuijn and Paul van Buitenen.

POLAND

7 June 2009

50 seats to be filled (-4); rising to 51 when the Lisbon Treaty comes into force

Electoral system: votes are first counted using the d'Hondt system. Seats are allocated to the various constituencies and then, using the Hare Niemeyer method to take account of electoral turnout, the seats are allocated to the winning lists.

Civic Platform (PO, part of the EPP at the EP), the centre right party of prime minsiter Donald Tusk, which has been joined by EU Regional Development Commissioner Danuta Hubner, is leading in the polls. The PO's main rival is the conservative party Law and Justice (PiS, part of the UEN and led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski, brother of Poland's President Lech Kaczyñski). The left is seen as too divided to be able to play any real role in the elections. The results will depend on turnout. Low turnout would favour the PiS conservatives. Other parties: the Social Democratic Coalition SLD-UP comprising the Alliance of the Democratic Left (SLD) and the Labour Union (UP); the Christian Democrat farmers' party PSL (Polish Farmers' Party, member of the EPP); the PdP (Progressive Democratic Party), a centre-left coalition of the Greens Verts (Zieloni 2004), the Democratic Party (PD) of former defence minister Janusz Onyszkiewicz and the Social Democratic Party of Poland (SDPL), headed by former finance minister Marek Borowski. Finally, Libertas, the anti-Lisbon Treaty movement.

Constituency 1 - Pomeranian Voivodship

PO: Current MEP Janusz Antoni Lewandowski (economist, 58); former mayor of Sopot, Jan Koz³owski (aged 63); parliamentarian and electrical engineer Marek Biernacki (aged 50); former interior and civil service minister; Krystyna Maria K³osin (economist).

PiS: Current MEP Hanna Foltyn-Kubicka (aged 59), head of Lech Kaczynski's office when he was a parliamentarian; Dr Miros³aw Andrzej Górski (aged 52); parliamentarian Jolanta Irena Szczypiñska (nurse, aged 52), active in setting up local Solidarnosc trade unions.

SLD-UP: Prof. Longin Pastusiak (former parliamentarian and former speaker of the senate, aged 74); Piotr Gontarek (aged 59); Andrzej Ró¿añski (former parliamentarian, aged 51).

PSL: Wojciech Wies³aw Przybylski (university professor); Bogdan Dombrowski (economist, aged 53); Stanis³aw Jank (veterinarian).

PdP: Co-founder of the Green Party 2004, Dariusz Szwed (economist, aged 42); parliamentarian Pawe³ Kasprzyk, (doctor of social sciences, aged 41).

Libertas: Journalist Tomasz Krzysztof Sommer (aged 35), joint owner of conservative weekly newspaper 'Najwyzszy Czas'.

Constituency 2 - Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship

PO: Tadeusz Antoni Zwiefka (aged 55), journalist and TV presenter before being elected to parliament in 2004; Dr Marek Krzysztof Kolasiñski (aged 32); mayor of Bydgoszcz Konstanty, Adam Dombrowicz (aged 62).

PiS: Current MEP Ryszard Henryk Czarnecki (aged 46); Przemys³aw Tomasz Przybylski (teacher, aged 39); parliamentarian Tomasz Edward Latos (doctor and national bridge champion, aged 45).

SLD-UP: Parliamentarian Janusz Zemke (aged 60), chair of the national defence committee and former secretary of state at the defence ministry (2001-2005); Tomasz Kruszyñski (biologist, aged 39); Anna Zofia Mackiewicz (municipal councillor for Bydgoszcz, aged 46).

PSL: Parliamentarian and member of the PSL regional council and former Polish observer at the EP Eugeniusz K³opotek (aged 56); Piotr Pawe³ Petrykowski (professor of education); Ryszard Jakub Bober (aged 53, agricultural engineer).

PdP: Henryk Kierzkowski (economist) and Karol Zamojski (philosopher, director of the regional cooperation centre).

Libertas: University professor Ryszard Henryk Koz³owski.

Constituency 3 - Podlasie and Warmian-Masurian Voivodship

PO: Parliamentarian Krzysztof Lisek (aged 42), chair of the Diet's Foreign Affairs Committee; former journalist Tadeusz Ar³ukowicz (aged 45), currently deputy president of the city of Bialystok and regional president of the PO; parliamentarian Beata Maria Bublewicz (sociology graduate, aged 34).

PiS: Parliamentarian Jacek Olgierd Kurski (former journalist, aged 43), a heavyweight in Lech Kaczynski's presidential campaign in 2005 who accused Donald Tusk of having a 'grandfather in the Wehrmacht'; Krzysztof Jurgiel (aged 56), former agriculture and development minister (2005-2006); parliamentarian Iwona Ewa Arent (aged 41).

SLD-UP: Parliamentarian Tadeusz Iwiñski (professor of politics, aged 65), former secretary of state at the prime minister's chancellory in the governments of Leszek Miller and Marek Belka; Mieczys³aw Czerniawski (sociologist and former parliamentarian, aged 61); and W³adys³aw Mañkut (economist and former senator, aged 62).

PSL: Former environment minister and current parliamentarian Stanis³aw ¯elichowski (aged 65); parliamentarian Jan Kamiñski (farmer, aged 54); Irena El¿bieta Fabisiak (philologist, aged 59).

PdP: Marian Czes³aw Szamatowicz (gynaecologist); and Piotr Lenkiewicz (student).

Libertas: Professor of history Ryszard Janusz Bender (aged 77), connected with Catholic Radio Maryja.

Constituency 4 - The city of Warsaw and some of the neighbouring districts of Mazovian Voivodship

PO: EU Regional Development Commissioner and economics professor Danuta Maria Hübner; former parliamentarian Pawe³ Ksawery Zalewski (aged 45); and Grzegorz Jacek Kostrzewa-Zorbas (political analyst, aged 51).

PiS: Micha³ Tomasz Kamiñski (aged 37), MEP until 2007 when he became secretary of state for media policy in the chancellery of the Polish President; current MEP Ewa Tomaszewska (aged 62); and parliamentarian Arkadiusz Mularczyk (lawyer, aged 38).

SLD-UP: SLD leader and former agriculture and rural development minister Wojciech Micha³ Olejniczak (economist and former parliamentarian, aged 35); Sebastian Wierzbicki (sociologist, aged 32); and Anna Skrzypek (doctoral student in politics, aged 29).

PSL: Parliamentarian Janusz Piechociñski (economist, aged 49); Bernard Margueritte (journalist, aged 71); and Walentyna Rakiel-Czarnecka (journalist and ecologist, aged 54).

PdP: Current MEP Dariusz Rosati (economist, aged 63), former foreign minsiter; and current MEP Andrzej Wielowieyjski (senator and parliamentarian, aged 81).

Libertas: Entrepreneur Artur Wojciech Zawisza, former member of the PiS.

Constituency 5 - Other districts in the Mazovic constituency

PO: Jacek Koz³owski (aged 52, president of the Mazovian Voivodship); parliamentarian Jolanta Emilia Hibner, environmental protection engineer; and Jerzy Zawodnik (member of the regional department for implementing EU programmes).

PiS: Adam Jerzy Bielan (aged 35), MEP and vice-president of the EP; parliamentarian Wojciech Stefan Jasiñski (aged 61), former budget minister (2006-2007); and current MEP Zbigniew KuŸmiuk (aged 53).

SLD-UP: Diet parliamentarian Marek Wikiñski (aged 43); Arkadiusz Iwaniak (economist and city councillor for Plock); and Maciej Drabio (aged 33), member of the Agency for Restructuring and Modernising Agriculture.

PSL: PSL leader Jaros³aw Kalinowski (aged 47), former agriculture minister (1997); Wiktor Szmulewicz (head of the national agriculture chamber); Bo¿enna Pacholczak (aged 55), chief accountant at the Radom regional hospital and vice-president of the regional Diet of the Mazovian Voivodship.

PdP: Current MEP Marek Czarnecki (aged 50) and Tomasz Na³êcz (professor of history at Warsaw University, aged 60).

Libertas: Current MEP Dariusz Maciej Grabowski (economist, aged 59).

Constituency 6 - £ódz Voivodship

PO: Current MEP Jacek Emil Saryusz-Wolski (aged 61), chair of the EP's Foreign Affairs Committee and vice-president of the EPP-ED; Jan Eugeniusz Krysiñski (aged 74), rector of Lodz Polytechnic until 2008; and economist Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (aged 29), representative for the city of Lodz in Brussels.

PiS: Current MEP Urszula Irena Krupa (anaesthetist, aged 60); current MEP Janusz Wojciechowski (lawyer, 55); and parliamentarian Marek Atuszewski (technician, aged 50).

SLD-UP: Parliamentarian Jolanta Szymanek-Deresz (aged 55), former head of office of President Aleksander Kwasniewski; former senator Grzegorz Matuszak (sociologist, aged 68); and Irena Nowacka (former parliamentarian, aged 59).

PSL: Undersecretary of state at the health ministry Adam Fronczak (doctor, aged 52); former parliamentarian Krystyna Ozga (engineer, aged 65); and Artur Bagieñski (historian, aged 38).

PdP: Magdalena Œroda (feminist philosopher, aged 52) and W³odzimierz Wojciech Smolarek (football trainer and former trainer for the Polish national football team, aged 52).

Libertas: Parliamentarian Boles³aw Borys Borysiuk (formerly a member of the Workers' Party, aged 61).

Constituency 7 - Greater Poland Voivodship

PO: Current MEP Filip Andrzej Kaczmarek (aged 43); Sidonia El¿bieta Jêdrzejewska (aged 34); parliamentarian Dariusz Lipiñski (doctor of chemistry, aged 54).

PiS: Current MEP Konrad Szymañski (aged 39); Zbigniew Trybu³a (aged 52, scientist and senator); and Adam Hofman (parliamentarian, aged 29).

SLD-UP: Current MEP Marek Maciej Siwiec (engineer, aged 54), vice-president of the EP and the Bureau; Kazimierz Czes³aw Pa³asz (political analyst, 57); and Tadeusz Rzemykowski (former senator, aged 63).

PSL: Parliamentarian Andrzej Grzyb (aged 53) and teacher Marek Tomicki.

PdP: Former parliamentarian Sylwia Pusz (lawyer and consultant, aged 37) and Katarzyna Kretkowska (philologist, aged 51), former municipal councillor.

Libertas: Parliamentarian Anna Sobecka (aged 58).

Constituency 8 - Lublin Voivodship

PO: Current MEP Zbigniew Zaleski (professor of sociology at the Catholic University of Lublin, aged 62); Mateusz Orzechowski (publisher, aged 34), vice-president of the regional Diet of the city of Lublin; sociologist Lena Kolarska-Bobiñska (aged 52).

PiS: Current MEP Miros³aw Mariusz Piotrowski (aged 43); Tomasz Miros³aw Dudziñski (parliamentarian, aged 36); and Grzegorz Czelej (senator, aged 45).

SLD-UP: Jacek Czerniak (political analyst, aged 45); Riad Haidar (doctor, aged 51); Micha³ Reoland Go³oœ (aged 55), founder and rector of the High School of International Relations and Social Communication in Chelm.

PSL: Parliamentarian Edward Wojtas (economist, aged 54) and Arkadiusz Tomasz Bratkowski (aged 50), former parliamentarian and member of the Voivodship council.

PdP: Former finance minister Marek (Stefan) Borowski (economist, aged 63), marshall of the senate (2001-2004) and current parliamentarian and leader of the New Left; and Monika Œwiêtos³awa Rudaœ-Grodzka (literary historian).

Libertas: Current MEP Zdzis³aw Zbigniew Podkañski (aged 59), former culture minister.

Constituency 9 - Sub-Carpathian Voivodship

PO: Marian Krzaklewski (aged 59), who replaced Lech Waleska (when he became President in 1991) as head of the list of independent trade union movement Solidarnosc; economist El¿bieta Katarzyna £ukacijewska (aged 43); and Marek Porêba (economist).

PiS: PiS spokesperson at the EP Tomasz Piotr Porêba (historian, aged 36); parliamentarian Andrzej Æwierz (aged 62); and parliamentarian Kazimierz Go³ojuch (aged 45).

SLD-UP: Marta (Agata) Niewczas (aged 35), world and European karate champion who became a municipal councillor in Rzeszow; regional parliamentarian Bronis³aw Tadeusz Tofil (aged 55); and Tadeusz B³aszczyszyn, former deputy manager of the Regional Environmental Protection Fund.

PSL: Current MEP Mieczys³aw Edmund Janowski (engineer, aged 61) and Mieczys³aw Kasprzak (agronomist).

PdP: Krzysztof Martens (journalist and bridge player, aged 57) and Danuta £ucja My³ek (allergy doctor).

Libertas: Daniel Paw³owiec (political analyst and former parliamentarian, aged 31).

Constituency 10 - Lesser Poland and Holy Cross Voivodship

PO: Ró¿a Maria Gräfin von Thun und Hohenstein ou Roza Thun (philologist, head of the European Commission's Representation Office in Warsaw); parliamentarian Konstanty Bronis³aw Miodowicz (ethnographer, aged 58); and current MEP Bogus³aw Andrzej Sonik, (law graduate, aged 56).

PiS: Former justice minister and current parliamentarian Zbigniew Ziobro (aged 38); Pawe³ Kowal (parliamentarian, aged 34); and Jacek W³adys³aw W³osowicz (aged 43).

SLD-UP: Current MEP Andrzej Jan Szejna (aged 36); parliamentarian Joanna Senyszyn (economics professor, aged 60); former justice minister Jerzy Jaskiernia (doctor of law, aged 59).

PSL: Current MEP Czes³aw Adam Siekierski (doctor of agronomic science, aged 56) and former mayor of Warsaw Wojciech Kozak (basketball player, aged 46).

PdP: Current MEP Janusz Onyszkiewicz (mathematician and mountaineer, aged 71), former defence minister and highly active in the Security and Defence Subcommittee at the EP; and Kazimierz Kik (political analyst).

Libertas: Wojciech Wierzejski, aged 33, an MEP until 2005, when he became a Polish parliamentarian.

Constituency 11 - Silesian Voivodship

PO: Current MEP and former prime minister Jerzy Buzek (aged 68), a front-runner for co-president of the new EP; current MEP Jan Olbrycht (doctor of sociology, aged 57); and current MEP Ma³gorzata Handzlik (aged 44).

PiS: Marek Migalski (political analyst and commentator, aged 60); former science and higher education minister Micha³ Seweryñski (aged 70); and parliamentarian Izabela Kloc (aged 46).

SLD-UP: Jerzy Markowski (former senator, aged 60); current MEP Adam Gierek (engineer, aged 71); and Wojciech Nowak, aged 55, Teacher.

PSL: Architect and former marshall of the Voivodship, Janusz Leonard Moszyñski (aged 53); and Marian Ormaniec (agricultural engineer, aged 47).

PdP: Current MEP Genowefa Grabowska (lawyer, aged 65) and Agnieszka Pasternak (legal advisor and former parliamentarian, aged 37).

Libertas: Lawyer Piotr Jan Slusarczyk.

Constituency 12 -Lower Silesia and Opole Voivodship

PO: Current MEP Jacek Prostasiewicz aged 43; parliamentarian Danuta Jaz³owiecka (aged 52); Jerzy Tutaj, aged 43, director of company 'Zamek Ksiaz' and responsible for developing tourism in the region

PiS: Former national education minister Ryszard Legutko (philosopher, aged 60); Andrzej Jaroch (senator, aged 61); and S³awomir K³osowski (parliamentarian, aged 45)

SLD-UP: Current MEP Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (economist, aged 52); former senator Apolonia Weronika Klepacz (aged 57); and Micha³ Seweryn Huzarski (aged 33), deputy finance manager at Legnica Hospital.

PSL: Diet parliamentarian Stanis³aw Rakoczy, aged 51, and Leszek Grala (aged 46, farmer).

PdP: Current MEP Józef Pinior (lawyer, aged 54) and Roman Aleksander Siedlecki (teacher).

Libertas: Lawyer Janusz Konrad Dobrosz, aged 55, former parliamentarian and former deputy marshall of the lower chamber of the Polish parliament

Constituency 13 -Lubusz and Western Pomeranian Voivodship

PO: Parliamentarian S³awomir Nitras (PO leader in Szczecin, aged 36); Artur Jaros³aw Zasada (municpal councillor for Zielona Gora); and parliamentarian Magdalena Kochan (musician, aged 59).

PiS: Former maritime affairs minister Marek Gróbarczyk (engineer, aged 41), Marek Ast (parliamentarian, aged 51); and Czes³aw Hoc (parliamentarian, aged 55).

SLD-UP: Current MEP Bogus³aw Liberadzki (doctor of economics, aged 61); Dariusz Krzysztof Wieczorek (engineer, aged 43); and former senator Jolanta Danielak (psychologist, aged 54).

PSL: Academic Juliusz Engelhardt (aged 55), former secretary of state in the infrastructure ministry; and agronomist Józef Marcin Rubacha (municipal councillor, aged 51).

PdP: Rados³aw Pawe³ Popiela (secretary of the Democratic Party, aged 32) and Robert Smoleñ (former parliamentarian, deputy minister in the cabinet office of President Aleksander Kwasniewski).

Libertas: Senator Krzysztof Piotr Zaremba (aged 37).

PORTUGAL

7 June 2009

22 seats to be filled (-2)

Electoral system: list-based ballot; proportional representation using the d'Hondt system.

PS: Top of the Socialists' list is Vital Moreira (lecturer in law at Coimbra University, aged 64), former judge at the Constitutional Court, who wants the PES to field its own candidate for President of the European Commission to stand against José Manuel Barroso. He opposes the 'patriotic support' given by Portugeuse Socialist prime minister José Socrates to the current President of the Commission. The other candidates are current MEP Edite Estrela (former professor of literature, aged 59), national secretary of the PS; current MEP Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos (aged 57), former agriculture and fisheries minister (1998-2002); Elisa Ferreira (economist, aged 53), former environment minister (1995-1999) and former minister for planning (1999-2002); former health minister (remplaced in January 2008) who introduced many reforms in the hospital system, Antonio Correia de Campos (aged 66); economist and regional parliamentarian Luís Paulo Alves; current MEP Ana Gomes (lawyer, aged 55), vice-president of the EP's Security and Defence Subcommittee; current MEP Manuel Antonio dos Santos (economist, aged 65), vice-president of the EP and former secretary of state for trade; current MEP Joel Hasse Ferreira (civil engineer, aged 64); current MEP Jamila Madeira (aged 33), senior manager of Rede Eléctrica Nacional; current MEP Emanuel Jardim Fernandes (lawyer, aged 65); current MEP and former mayor of Ovar, Armando França (lawyer, aged 59); Sónia Fertuzinhos; Pedro Delgado Alves; and Rui Barreiro.

PSD: Paulo Rangel (aged 61) is head of the list for the main opposition party (of which he leads the partliamentary group in Portugal's assembly). Followed by current MEP Carlos Coelho (who works in insurance, aged 49), former secretary of state at the education ministry; Maria da Graça Carvalho; Mário David, Nuno Teixeira de Jesus, Maria do Céu Patrão Neves, Regina Bastos, and José Manuel Fernandes.

BE (member of GUE at the EP): Current MEP Miguel Portas (aged 51), former journalist of weekly magazine Expresso and then editor of the weekly magazine "Já" (1995) and the "Vida Mundial" review (1998-1999), is top of the list, followed by the leader of BE, Marisa Matias, historian Rui Tavares, Alda Sousa and Timóteo Macedo.

CDS-PP: The combined Social Democratic Centre (CDS) and People's Party (PP) list is headed by parliamentarians Nuno Melo (vice-president of Portugal's assembly), Teresa Caeiro and Diogo Feio. Followed by Emiliana Silva and António Lopes da Fonseca.

Combined list CDU-PCP-PEV (parties which are part of GUE): The United Democratic Coalition (CDU), the PCP communists and the Greens (PEV). Top of this list is current MEP Ilda Figueiredo (economist, aged 60), accompanied by João Ferreira, Ana Rita Carvalhais, Francisco Madeira Lopes and current MEP Pedro Guerreiro (aged 43).

Heads of list for the smaller parties: Laurinda Alves is top of the list of the Hope Movement of Portugal (MEP); Frederico Duarte Carvalho is top of the list of the Monarchist People's Party (PPM); the Merit and Society Movement (MMS) to combat corruption is headed by Carlos Gomes; the Party of the Earth (MPT, an agrarian movement) is headed by Pedro Simões José; and the National Renewal Party (PNR) is represented by Humberto Nuno de Oliveira.

CZECH REPUBLIC

5-6 June 2009

22 seats to be filled (-2)

Electoral system: list-based ballot; proportional allocation of seats; 5% minimum

There are 33 political parties fighting the European elections, the biggest five of which are the Social Democratic Party (CSSD), the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM), the Christian Democratic Union/People's Party (KDU-CSL) and the Greens (Z). The Green Democratic Party, set up by two current MEPs, is also standing. Two new Eurosceptic parties have been created - Libertas and the Free Citizens' Party (SSP) - which are calling for a reform of the EU institutions and strict respect for Member States' national sovreignty. Polls and analysts suggest turnout will be below 30%, due to the resignation of prime minister Mirek Topolanek's government in March 2009, which took the wind out of the sails of voters planning to use the European elections to punish the government. The head of the national statistics office, Jan Fischer, became prime minister on 8 May 2009 at the helm of a six-month, 15-man caretaker govermment of experts (split evenly between ODS and CSSD). The latest polls suggest the Czech Social Democrats will win the European elections with 38% of the vote, ODS would gete 36%, KSCM 12%, KDU-CSL 6% and the Greens 4%.

CSSD: Doctor of economics Jirí Havel (aged 52) is top of the list for the Social Democrats, accompanied by two current MEPs, former senator Richard Falbr (lawyer, 69) and Libor Rouèek (aged 54), former spokesperson for Vaclav Klaus and past Czech trade union leader. Followed by doctor of biology Pavel Poc, parliamentarian Zuzana Brzobohatá, parliamentarian Robert Dušck; physician Olga Schnalová (aged 41), the first deputy mayor of Ostrava Vojtìch Mynáø, Petr Osvald (city councillor for Plzen) and Jaroslav Vomáèka (doctor).

ODS: Current MEP Jan Zahradil (chemist, aged 46) is head of the Civic Democracy Party's list, followed by Evzen Tosenovsky (mathematician); current MEP Oldøich Vlasák (engineer, aged 53), executive president of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) since 2004 and member of the Urban Housing Intergroup at the EP; current MEP Dr Milan Cabrnoch (aged 46); current MEP Ivo Strejèek (educationalist, aged 47); current MEP Dr Miroslav Ouzký (aged 50), former chair of the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee; Edvard Kozusnik (aged 38); current MEP Hynek Fajmon (ex-diplomat, aged 41); Andrea Ceskova (lawyer); current MEP Dr Jaroslav Zvìøina (aged 66), vice-chair of the EP's Delegation for Relations with Japan.

KSCM: Current MEP Miloslav Ransdorf (philosopher, aged 56), former vice-chair of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee, is head of the Communists' list, followed by current MEP Vladimír Remek (former air force pilot and cosmonaut, aged 60), current MEP Dr Jiøí Maštálka (aged 53), current MEP Jaromír Kohlíèek (engineer, aged 56) and current MEP Vìra Flasarová (economist, aged 56).

KDU-CSL: Former health minister (1998), current MEP Zuzana Roithová (doctor, 56), former vice-chair of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, is top of the Christian Democrat list, followed by current MEP Jan Bøezina (mining engineer, aged 55), Ondrej Benesik, Marie Jilkova and entrepreneur Jaroslav Lobkowicz.

Other parties: Ecologist Neela Winkelmannova is top of the Green list (Z), followed by Milan Smrz (chemist) and Martin Mejstrik (political analyst). Top of the Libertas list, a party created by Vladimir Zelezny, current MEP and co-founder of the Nova television channel (unfortunately infamous due to a corruption case) is parliamentarian Vlastimil Tlusty (ex-ODS). Vladimir Zelezny is second on the list, and parliamentarian Jan Schwippel (ex-ODS) is third. The SSP list (created in January 2009 by economist Peter Mach, head of a think tank close to President Vaclav Klaus) is headed by former ODS parliamentarian Jiri Payne (aged 52, lawyer), advisor to President Vaclav Klaus (in December 2008, Klaus resigned as honorary president of the ODS because he said the party was too pro-European), and writer Benjamin Kuras (aged 65). The list of the US-DEU coalition (Union for Democratic Liberty-Democratic Union) is headed by journalist and independent senators Jaromir Stetina (aged 66) and Sona Paukrtova (aged 59). The list of the Independent European Democrats (SNK ED) is headed by Lukas Macek (political analyst, aged 33), Zuzana Baudysova (aged 61) and economist Jiri Plecity (aged 32).

ROMANIA

7 June 2009

33 seats to be filled (-2)

Electoral system: closed list-based ballot with two-stage allocation of seats: calculation of voting thresholds and then of national electoral coefficients. Seats are allocated to political groups in decreasing order depending on the number of valid votes received. Seat allocation in the national constituency is carried out using the d'Hondt system.

Opinion polls carried out on 28 April 2009 by the CCSB institute suggest the Liberal Democratic Party (PDL) would get 31% of the vote, slightly more than the alliance of Social Democrats and Conservatives (PSD-PC) (30%). The National Liberal Party (PNL), currently in the opposition, would get 16% of the vote. The People's Party of Greater Romania (PRM) - which describes itself as centre left but wants to join the EPP and also describes itself as Christian Democrat while calling for national communism - is expected to get 8% of the vote. Its call for a 'Greater Romania' that would extend to all the regions of neighbouring countries inhabited by Romanians (Ukraine, Moldova and Serbia), means it is sometimes associated with the Romanian far right (the Noua Dreapta party (New Right)), the main rival of which is the Magyar Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) representing the Hungarian minority in Romania and expected to get 5% of the vote. Some 8% of voters say they would vote for Elena Basescu, daughter of the President of Romania, Traian Basescu, who has managed to get the 100,000 signatories needed to stand as an independent candidate.

PDL: Former prime minister (who resigned from his post) and current MEP Théodor Stolojan (economist, aged 65) is top of the list, followed by consultant Monica Macovei (lawyer, 50), a new recruit to the paty and former justice minister, and journalist Traian Ungureanu (aged 51). The next twelve are Prof. Cristian Preda (aged 42); current MEP Marian-Jean Marinescu (aeronautic engineer, aged 56); current MEP Iosif Matula (chemical engineer, aged 50); current MEP Sebastian Valentin Bodu (lawyer, aged 38); Petru Luhan (economist, aged 32); current MEP Rareº-Lucian Niculescu (political advisor, aged 32); Elena Antonescu (lawyer, aged 29); current MEP Constantin Dumitriu (lawyer, aged 37); current MEP Dragoº Florin David (mechanical engineer, aged 41); philologist Elvira Andronescu (school inspector, aged 55); current MEP Alexandru Nazare (political advisor, aged 29); and current MEP Flaviu Cãlin Rus (psychologist, aged 38).

PSD-PC: Top of the list is current MEP Adrian Severin (lawyer, 55), chair of the Delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, current MEP Rovana Plumb (doctor of economics and management, aged 48), former secretary of state and chair of the national consumer protection authority and current MEP Ioan Mircea Pascu (economist, aged 60), vice-president of the AFET committee and secretary of state at the national defence minsitry (1993-1996) and then national defence minister (2000-2004). Next are current MEP Silvia-Adriana Ticau (ITC engineer, aged 38); current MEP Daciana Octavia Sarbu (lawyer, aged 32); current MEP Corina Cretu (economist, aged 41), former spokesperson for the President of Romania and head of the public communications department (2000-2004); current MEP Victor Bostinaru (teacher of history and geography, aged 57), former secretary of state at the foreign office; engineer George-Sabin Cutas (aged 41); doctoral student in economics Catalin-Sorin Ivan (aged 30); management consultant Ioan Enciu (aged 56); current MEP Vasilica Viorica Dancila (aged 45), expert in legislative harmonisation and European integration and an engineer in the oil industry; Minodora Cliveti (lawyer, aged 53); Aristide Roibu (lawyer, 58); Viorel Marian Dragomir (economist, aged 34); Marius Oprescu (economic advisor, aged 30); and current MEP Alin Lucian Antochi (lawyer, aged 36).

PNL: Top of the opposition liberals' list is vice-president of the party, Norica Nicolai (lawyer, aged 51). There is much speculation about the choice of current MEP Adina Valean (former maths teacher) as second on the list because she is having an affair with the new president of the party, Crin Antonescu. Third is current MEP Renate Weber (lawyer, aged 53). The five other candidates who appear to be eligible are current MEP Ramona Nicole Manescu (lawyer, aged 36), current MEP Cristian Busoi (doctor, aged 31), Ben-Oli Ardelean (theologian, aged 33), Ovidiu Silaghi (engineer, aged 46) and current MEP Csibi Magor Imre (aged 28).

PRM: Top of the list is the party's president, Corneliu Vadim Tudor (aged 59), followed by football star George (“Gigi”) Becali (aged 51), leader of the New Generation Party (PNG). Next are Claudiu-Ciprian Tanasescu (aged 44), Grigore Mihaescu (artist, aged 71) and Angela-Mihaela Balan (teacher and headmistress, aged 58).

UDMR: Current MEP Laszlo Tokes (bishop, aged 57) is head of the list, followed by current MEP Iuliu Winkler (aged 45), former trade minister and former communications and IT minister. Next are current MEP Sogor Csaba (pastor, aged 45), university professor Szilagyi Zsolt (aged 40) and executive director of the party, Kovacs Peter (aged 35).

Other lists: The Christian Democrat National Farmers' Party (PNTCD) is forwarding the party's president, Marian Petre Milut (engineer, aged 53), the party's vice-president, Eugen-Romulus Moiescu (aged 48), and economist Alecu-Florin Diaconu (aged 43). Top of the Civic Force party's list are Adrian-Stefan Iurascu (engineer, aged 57) and Cristian Obrocea (aged 52).

THE UNITED KINGDOM

4 June 2009

72 seats to be filled (-6); rising to 73 when the Lisbon Treaty comes into force

Electoral system: closed list system with seats allocated using the d'Hondt system, apart from in Northern Ireland which has its own proportional representation system of single transferable votes.

The United Kingdom is divided into twelve constituencies. The nine regions of England will elect 59 MEPs, Scotland will elect 6, Wales will elect 4 and Northern Ireland 3. The three main parties are the Conservative Party (expected to get 41% of the vote), the Labour Party (30%) and the Liberal Democrats (17%). The British Tories have decided to leave the EPP and form a new political group at the EP with the Polish Law and Justice party (PiS) of President Lech Kaczynski. Their programme includes the compulsory organisation of a referendum on any new laws passed by the EP. The far right British National Party (BNP) may get its highest votes in Yorkshire, the Midlands and the North-West due to the economic crisis and high unemployment, which makes its anti-immigrant ideas fashionable. Unlike the first-past-the-post system of general elections, the proportional representation system for the European elections works in the BNP's favour, and also helps the other small parties, which can hope to win a seat at the EP if they get at least 9% of the vote. Two new poltical groups have been set up to oppose the Lisbon Treaty, namely the Libertas movement created by Irish Declan Ganley, and the No2EU-Yes to Democracy umbrella group, one of whose members is the Communist Party of Britain (CPB). Anther movement, Jury Team, was created on 8 March 2009 by businessman Sir Paul Judge (former director general of the Conservative Party) under the slogan of non-partisan politics and Democracy, Responsibility and Transparency. All the Jury Team candidates are independents chosen by public voting, which led Time Magazine to give the the movement the nickname 'American Idol' (the name of an American television programme where the audience votes for pop stars).

EAST OF ENGLAND (7 seats)

Conservative Party (CON): Current MEP Geoffrey Van Orden (aged 64), former brigadier-general and former executive secretary of the international military staff at NATO headquarters (1991-1994), is head of the Conservatives' list, followed by current MEP Robert William Sturdy (aged 65), Victoria Ford and John Flack.

Labour Party (LAB): Top of Labour's list is current MEP Richard Howitt (aged 48), former disabled rights activist, followed by Elisabeth Kelly and Nigel Gardner.

Liberal Democrats (LD): The Liberal Democrats' list is headed by current MEP Andrew Duff (aged 58), copresident of the federalist Intergroup for the European Constitution; and member of the steering committee of the European International Movemenet, Linda Jack.

British National Party (BNP): The far right party's list is headed by Eddy Butler and Emma Colgate.

United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP): UKIP's list is headed by David Bannerman and John Agnew.

Green Party: Ruppert Read and Peter Lynn.

Heads of other lists: Andrew Jamieson (Libertas); Peter Mason (No2EU); and Andrew Timothy Armes (Jury Team).

EAST MIDLANDS (5 seats)

CON: Current MEP Roger Helmer (aged 65), who held many marketing and general management positions for big multinationals in the UK and elsewhere, is top of the list, followed by Emma McClarkin and Rupert Matthews.

LAB: Current MEP Glenis Willmott (medical scientist and trade union official, aged 58) is top of the list, along with Roy Kennedy.

LD: Current MEP Bill Newton Dunn (aged 67), former industrialist, is top of the list, followed by Edward Maxfield.

BNP: Robert West and Catherine Duffy.

UKIP: Current MEP Derek Roland Clark (aged 75), retired science teacher, is top of the list, along with Christopher Pain, a research scientist.

Green Party: Sue and Richard Mallender are top of the Green list.

Heads of other lists: Richard Elvin (owner of a travel agency) and Margot Parker (industry consultant specialising in European law) for Libertas; John Irving Burke Mc Ewan (oil refinery worker) for No2EU and James Richard Lowey for Jury Team.

WEST MIDLANDS (6 seats)

CON: Current MEP Philip Bradbourn (aged 57), current MEP Malcom Harbour (aged 62) - copresident of the European Forum on Cars and Society and car industry consultant - and Anthea McIntyre.

LAB: Current MEP Michael Cashman (aged 58), former actor, writer, singer, director, television and cinema star and comedian. Accompanied by current MEP Neena Gill (aged 52), chair of the EP Delegation for Relations with India.

LD: Current MEP Elisabeth Lynne (aged 61), former actor, and Anthony Painter.

BNP: Simon Darby and Alby Walker.

UKIP: Current MEP Michael Henry Nattrass (aged 63), former member of the New Britain Party.

Heads of other lists: Felicity Norman (Green Party); Jimmy Millard (Libertas); former parliamentarian (1983-1992) David Nellis pour No2EU; and Geoffrey Coady pour Jury Team.

LONDON (8 seats)

CON: Current MEP Charles Tannock (psychiatrist, aged 52); Syed Kamall (aged 40), consultant and expert in EU communications policy; Marina Yannakoudakis; and Jean-Paul Floru.

LAB: Current MEP Claude Moraes (lawyer, aged 43), chair of the anti-racism and diversity intergroup and co-chair of the intergroup on ageing; current MEP Mary Honeyball (aged 56); and Anne Helen Fairweather.

LD: Current MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford (lawyer, aged 58), former European civil servant campaigning for fundamental rights and member of the House of Lords. BBC journalist Jonathan Fryer (aged 59) is also standing.

BNP: Robert Bailey and Michael Barnbrook.

UKIP: Current MEP Gerard Batten (aged 55), former bookbinder and director of British Telecom, followed by Ralph Atkinson.

Greens: Current MEP Jean Denise Lambert (former teacher, aged 59) is top of the Green list.

Heads of other lists: Maxwell John Burt (Libertas); Bob Crow (No2EU); and Reza Tabrizi (Jury Team).

NORTH EAST ENGLAND (3 seats)

CON: Current MEP Martin Callanan (electronic engineer, aged 47), followed by Barbara Musgrave.

LAB: Current MEP Stephen Hugues (aged 56), at the EP since 1984 where he was chair of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee from 1994 to 1999); and Fay Tinnion.

LD: Current MEP Fiona Hall (aged 54), former teacher and press attaché. Highly influential at the EP on energy legislation.

Heads of other lists: Adam Walker for the BNP, Gordon Howard Parkin (UKIP), Shirley Ford (Green), Ken Rollings (Libertas), Martin Richard Levy for No2EU and Ahmed Khan for Jury Team.

NORTH WEST ENGLAND (8 seats)

CON: Current MEP Sir Robert Atkins (aged 63), former minister; current MEP (ex-LD) Sajjad Karim (lawyer, aged 38), rapporteur at the EP on the free trade agreement with India; former MEP Jacqueline Foster, and Alexander Williams.

LAB: Current MEP Arlene McCarthy (aged 48), chair of the EP Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, along with current MEP Brian Simpson (at the EP since 1989; aged 56) and Theresa Griffin.

LD: Current MEP Chris Davies (aged 54), former marketing and communication consultant; and Helen Foster-Grime.

BNP: The BNP's leader Nick Griffin is top of the list, followed by Martin Wingfield and Steven Greenhalgh.

UKIP: Paul Nuttall and Michael McManus.

Heads of other lists: Peter Cranie (Greens); Benjamin Caraduc Tallis (Libertas); Roger Bannister (No2EU); and Krishnamurty Tayya (Jury Team).

SOUTH EAST ENGLAND (10 seats)

CON: Current MEP (ex-NI) Daniel Hannan (journalist, aged 38); current MEP Richard Ashworth (agronomist, aged 61), former entrepreneur; current MEP Nirj Deva (aged 61); current MEP James Elles (aged 60), expert in EP budget matters since 1984; Therese Coffey; and Sarah Richardson.

LAB: Current MEP Peter Skinner (economist, aged 50); Janet Sully and Robert Fromant.

LD: European patent and patent law expert, current MEP Sharon Bowles (aged 56), is top of the list, followed by Catherine Bearder (a local politician who studied wild fauna in South Africa) and Ben Abbotts.

BNP: Tim Rait and Donna Bailey.

UKIP: UKIP leader, current MEP Nigel Farage (aged 45), is top of the list. He said recently that more than half of the British people want to leave the EU and sign a free trade agreement with its Member States (which is what UKIP is calling for), meaning that for the first time, he said, UKIP's views were in the majority. Nigel Farage is followed by Marta Andreasen.

Greens: Current MEP Dr Caroline Lucas (aged 49), who used to work for Oxfam, and Keith Taylor.

Heads of other lists: Kevin O'Connell for Libertas; David Hill for No2EU; Nick Trew for Jury Team.

SOUTH WEST ENGLAND (6 seats)

CON: Current MEP Giles Chichester (geographer and publisher, 62), chair of the EP Delegation for Relations with Australia and New Zealand and chair of the European Energy Forum. Followed by Julie Girling and Ashley Fox.

LAB: Current MEP Glyn Ford (geologist, aged 59), an MEP since 1984, followed by Isabel Martha Owen.

LD: Current MEP, chair of the liberal group and editor-in-chief of The Parliament Magazine, Graham Watson (aged 53), is top of the list, followed by Kay Barnard.

BNP: Jeremy Edward Wotherspoon

UKIP: Current MEP Trevor Colman (aged 67), former police officer.

Other lists: Richard Knight for the Greens, Robin Charles Matthews for Libertas, Alexander Fraser Gordon for No2EU and Sally Smith for Jury Team.

YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE (6 seats)

CON: Current MEP Edward McMillan-Scott (aged 59), who has been at the EP since 1984, followed by current MEP Timothy Kirkhope (lawyer, aged 64) - vice-Chamberlain of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (1995) and under secretary of state at the home office (1995-1997) - and Fleur Josephine Butler.

LAB: Current MEP Linda McAvan (aged 46), current MEP Richard Corbett (aged 54) and Emma Hoddinott.

LD: Current MEP Diana Wallis (lawyer, aged 55) and Stewart Arnold.

BNP: Nationalist Andrew Brons (aged 62) is followed by Nick Cass.

UKIP: Current MEP Godfrey Bloom (aged 59), financial economist, is top of the list.

Heads of other lists: Martin Hemingway (Green Party); Anthony Devoy (Libertas); Keith Gibson (No2EU); and Barbara Hibbert (Jury Team).

SCOTLAND (6 seats)

CON: Current MEP Struan Stevenson (aged 61), former farmer known for running awareness-raising campaigns about the victims of Soviet nuclear experiments in Semipalatinsk (Kazakhstan). Followed by Belinda Don and Helen Gardiner.

LAB: Current MEP David Martin (aged 55), accompanied by current MEP Catherine Stihler (aged 35) and Mary Lockhart

LD: George Lyon.

BNP: Gary Raikes

UKIP: Peter Adams

SNP: The Scottish National Party's list is headed by current MEP Ian Hudghton (entrepreneur, aged 57), who was on the Greens/EFA group alongside current MEP Alyn Smith (aged 35), former parliamentary assistant who became a lawyer and studied at the College of Europe. Third is Aileen McLeod.

SGP: The Scottish Green Party list is headed by Colin Fox and Angela Gorrie.

Heads of other lists: John Foster (No2EU) and Alan Wallace (Jury Team).

WALES (4 seats)

CON: Kay Swinburne and Evan Price, who spent 7 years in the army before studying law.

LAB: Derek Vaughan and Lisa Stevens.

LD: University professor Alan Butt Philip, European policy expert.

Plaid Cymru (The Welsh Nationalist Party): Current MEP Jill Evans (aged 50), along with former MEP (1999-2004) Eurig Wyn (aged 64).

Green Party: Jake Griffiths.

Heads of other lists: John Bufton (UKIP); Ennys Hughes (BNP); Robert Griffiths (No2EU); and Paul Sabanskis (Jury Team).

NORTHERN IRELAND (3 seats)

Seven candidates are standing: Steven Agnew (Green Party); current MEP Jim Allister (lawyer, aged 56) for the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV); current MEP Bairbre de Brún (aged 55), former health, social services and public security minister, for Sinn Fein; Diane Dodds for the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP); Alban Maginess for the Social Democratic&Labour Party (SLDP); and current MEP James Nicholson (aged 64) for the Ulster Conservatives and Unionists-New Force.

SLOVAKIA

6 June 2009

13 seats to be filled (-1).

Electoral system: open lists with vote-splitting among lists; proportional representation; (5% minimum)

Slovakia is the country where there was the lowest turnout in the 2004 European elections (16.9%). In 2009, the European elections have been overshadowed by the presidential elections (the second round of which was held on 4 April 2009 when the Ivan Gasparovic was re-elected President, beating sociologist Iveta Radicova, the first woman presidential candidate in Slovakian history). Both parties in the ruling coalition government, the SNS nationalists and the SMER social democrats, supported the candidacy of the current President.

There are 17 parties and political groups standing for the European elections. The parties currently represented at the EP are: Direction-Social Democracy (SMER, part of the PES), Slovakian Christian and Democratic Union - Democratic Party (SDKU-DS, part of the EPP-ED), the Hungarian coalition party (MKP-SMK, part of the EPP-ED) and the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH). The Slovak National Party (SNS) is trying to join the EP for the first time (as part of UEN), while the Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (L'S-HZDS), whose current MEPs are non-aligned, wants to join the European Democratic Party (ALDE). The government coalition comprises the prime minister's party, the SMER, the SNS and the President's party, L'S-HZDS.

SNS: The nationlist party that is part of the ruling coalition is expected to get 10% of the votes and hopes to get into the EP for the first time (part of the UEN) by winning two seats. Dušan Švantner (aged 62) is top of the list, followed by Jaroslav Paška (architect, aged 54); Vladimír Èeèot (lecturer, aged 57) and Daniel Klaèko (aged 55).

L'S-HZDS: The party of former prime minister Vladimir Meèiar has selected current MEP Sergej Kozlík (aged 58), former finance minister, to head its list. Current MEP Peter Baco (aged 64), former agriculture minister, is second on the list, followed by current MEP Irena Belohorská, Ivana Kapráliková and Diana Štrofová.

SDKU-DS: The main opposition party (of which Iveta Radicova is a member) has selected former foreign minister Eduard Kukan (doctor of law, aged 69) to head its list, followed by current MEP Peter Šastný (former professionnel ice hockey player who became manager of the Slovakian hockey team, aged 53); current MEP and former parliamentarian Milan Ga¾a (stomatologist, aged 56); Pavol Kuboviè (engineer, aged 49); Jarmila Tkáèová (engineer, aged 48); current MEP Zita Pleštinská (architect, aged 48); and Juraj Šváè (doctor, aged 47).

SMER: The social democratic party of the highly popular prime minister Robert Fico, who hopes to keep its three seats at the EP or even gain another two seats. Top of the list is parliamentarian Boris Zala (professor of philosophy, aged 54), followed by current MEP Vladimír Maòka, current MEP Monika Flašíková-Beòová, Monika Smolková (aged 52) and Katarína Neveïalová (aged 26).

MKP-SMK: The Hungarian coalition party hopes to keep its two seats at the EP. As in 2004, current MEP Edit Bauer (aged 63) is top of the list, followed by Alajos Mészáros, Attila Lancz, Sándor Albert and Szabolcs Hodosy.

The Christian Democratic Movement (KDH): Martin Fronc is top of the list. Current MEP Ján Hudacký is second and current MEP Anna Záborská (aged 61), chair of the EP's Women's Rights Committee, is third. Next are current MEP Miroslav Mikolášik (aged 57), Ján Vanèo and Peter Lenè.

OKS-KDS: This coalition of two conservative anti-Lisbon Treaty parties is fielding Vladimír Palko, followed by Peter Osuský.

Other parties: The Democratic Party (DS) list is topped by Branislav Hochel, followed by Pavel Titl and Peter Hríb. The Farming Party of the Provinces (ASV) is fielding Peter Kopecký (aged 54) at the top of its list, followed by Jozef Viglaský (university professor, aged 60). The Slovakian Communist Party (KSS) is fielding Juraj Brecko, (engineer, aged 65) in pole position, accompanied by Karol Ondriaš (aged 57) and Anna Sotáková, (doctor, aged 51). The Green Party of Slovakia (SZS): Jana Budáèová (student, aged 23); Eduard Chmelár (aged 37) and O¾ga Pietruchová (aged 46). The Free Forum (SF): Milan Izák (doctor, aged 69) and ¼udmila Farkašovská (journalist, aged 46). The Democratic Left Party (SDL'): Dr Štefan Horváth (aged 53) is top of the list. LIGA: Michal Havran (aged 35), Martina Èierna (lawyer, aged 31) and Michal Géci (consultant, aged 31). MISIA 21: Richard Schneider (manager, aged 27). The Initiative for the Roma of Slovakia (RIS): Ján Blašèák (aged 47). Freedom and Solidarity (SAS): Ján Oravec (economist, aged 45), Emil Burák (engineer, aged 46) and Katarína Majdlenová (lawyer, aged 25).

SLOVENIA

7 June 2009

7 seats to be filled

Electoral system: proportional representation with preferential voting; allocation of seats using d'Hondt system with a quota of female MEPs (at least one woman in the first four candidates on a list). Lists can be put forward by voters or political parties.

Some 12 lists of candidates (81 candidates and 11 political parties) have registered with the Slovenian electoral commission. Parties must obtain at least 14% of the vote in order to hope to win a seat at the EP. Alongside political parties, citizens' groups are also allowed to stand as long as they get at least 3,000 signatures. The main issues in the election campaign are the economic crisis and the border dispute between Slovenia and Croatia that is holding up Croatia's EU accession negotiations.

SD: The Slovenian Social Democrats (SD - part of the PES), the ruling party that won the September 2008 general elections, is expecting to win two seats and remains the favourite in the polls. Former foreign minister Zoran Thaler is top of the list. He says 'conservative recipes' are responsible for the crisis and wants to introduce his own 'alternative recipes'.

Zoran Thaler is followed by Tanja Fajon and Andrej Horvat.

NSI (New Slovenia): Winner of the 2004 elections and the second largest party in the government from 2004 to 2008, NSI is not represented at the Slovenian parliament. Top of its list is its 2007 presidential candidate, current MEP Alojz Peterle (aged 60), former President of the government, member of the presidency of the Convention on the Future of Europe (2002-2003) and foreign minister (2000). He is followed by current MEP Ljudmila Novak (aged 49), former mayor of Moravèe. Mojca Kucler Dolinar is third, and Anton Kokalj fourth.

SDS: Slovenian Democrats. The main opposition party. Their election campaign opened with the slogan “Slovenia can do better”. SDS hopes to get more than 18% of the vote and win at least two seats, as in 2004. Top of the list is former education minister Milan Zver, followed by current MEP Romana Jordan Cizelj (nuclear scientist, 43), former health minister Zofija Mazej Kukovic, former minister of the interior Dragutin Mate, former Slovenian parliamentarian Mirko Zamernik, former head of government communications Anze Logar, and former ski champion Katja Koren Miklavec.

The United Greens (coalition of green parties): Vlado Cus is top of the list for The United Greens. He focusses on the “responsibility of elected politicians” in addition to environmental concerns and is followed by Lucija Mozetic and Mihael Jarc.

SNS. The Slovenian National Party, currently in opposition, has a list of four women and three men. Top of the list is psychiatrist Sergej Cas, a town councillor in Semic. The party's leader, Zmago Jelincic, says it defends “the interest of Slovenia and its inhabitants”. Second on the list is Barbara Jerman, and third is Nina Marvin.

SLS (Slovenian Popular Party). This party has been weakened by the resigntation of its leader, Bojan Srot, in March 2009. Top of the list is Ivan Zagar, followed by Marta Ciraj.

LDS. The Slovenian Liberal Democrat Party is headed by current MEP Jelko Kacin (aged 53), former defence minister (1993), followed by Mirjam Muzenic and Slavko Ziherl.

Other lists. Top of the list of the Slovenian Youth Party (SMS) is Darko Krajnc; top of the List for Patients' Rights is Marko Sidjanin; top of the list of the Democratic Party of Slovenia's Pensioners (DeSUS) is former defence minister Karl Erjavec; top of the list for Réel (Zares) is Ivo Vajgl; Marusa Benkic is top of the list for the KSS Christian Socialists.

SWEDEN

7 June 2009

18 seats to be filled (-1)

Electoral system: proportional and preferential voting; 4% minimum for lists and 5% for including candidates on a list

The list of the Conservatives of the Moderaterna Party (moderates) is headed by current MEP Gunnar Hökmark (economist, 56) and current MEP Anna Ibrisagic (aged 42), former interpreter, music teacher and entrepreneur. They are followed by current MEP Christofer Fjellner (aged 32), chair of the Swedish Young Conservatives, Susanna Haby, Hans Wallmark, Christoffer Järkeborn, Inger René, Anna Maria Corazza Bildt, Pia Kinhult and Helena Bouveng.

The free trade Junilistan ('June List', part of the non-aligned group at the EP) wants to limit political integration in the EU. It is fielding the following candidates: Sören Wibe, Björn von der Esch, Åsa Sundh, current MEP Hélène Goudin (school teacher, 52), Leif Danielsson, Peter Lilja and Pia Milton

The Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna, KD) are members of the EPP-ED at the EP. They are fielding the following new candidates: Ella Bohlin (aged 30), Sofia Modigh (aged 38), Per Landgren (aged 50), Christina Doctare (aged 65) and Tuve Skånberg (aged 52).

The Social Democrats' list is topped by Marita Ulvskog, followed by Olle Ludvigsson, current MEP Åsa Westlund (political analyst, 33), current MEP Göran Färm (aged 59), former journalist and former special advisor to EU Commissioner Margot Wallström, current MEP Anna Hedh (aged 42), Jens Nilsson and Hillevi Larsson.

The social liberal Centre Party (Centerpartiet), which is part of the ALDE at the EP, has chosen as head of its list current MEP Lena Ek (lawyer, aged 51), followed by Kent Johansson, Abir Al-Sahlani and Marie Wickberg.

Top of the list for the liberal People's Party (Folkpartiet) are former MEP Marit Paulsen (writer and environmental activist) and current MEP Olle Schmidt (aged 59), followed by Cecilia Wikström, Fredrik Malm and Barbro Westerholm.

Current MEP Eva-Britt Svensson (aged 62), vice-chair of the EP's Women's Rights Committee, is top of the list of the Left Party (Vänsterpartiet). Also on the list are Hanna Löfqvist, Mikael Gustafsson, Berivan Öngörur and Erik Berg.

The Green list is headed by current MEP Carl Schlyter (environmentalist, aged 41), Isabella Lövin, Bodil Ceballos and former MEP (1994-1999) Ulf Holm (aged 39).