» Why should we vote on May 25th? The European elections are not a “by-election”, even if they are often perceived as such, because the European Union is responsible for many issues that directly affect our lives, our society and our economy (e.g. consumer protection, food safety, climate protection, data protection, Employee protection, traffic safety, regulation of the financial markets) - and the parties clearly have different views on this. In addition, the European Parliament has full participation rights in decisions on legislative proposals and the German MPs in particular have great influence in this regard due to their delegation strength. For the first time, the European elections will not only be about the composition of Parliament; The major party families have nominated top candidates for the office of President of the European Commission. So it will be exciting to see which of the candidates – most likely Martin Schulz (PES) or Jean-Claude Juncker (EPP) – will prevail on election day. We have a direct influence on this. With that in mind, watch the TV debates and go vote on May 25th! «
Prof. Dr. Michael Kaeding
Michael Kaeding is Professor of European Integration and European Politics at the Institute of Political Science at the University of Duisburg-Essen and visiting professor at the College of Europe in Bruges. His research focuses on European institutions, the implementation of European legislation in the EU states and the Europeanization of national political systems.
Article image (C) University of Duisburg-Essen
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» Why should we vote on May 25th? The European elections are not a “by-election”, even if they are often perceived as such, because the European Union is responsible for many issues that directly affect our lives, our society and our economy (e.g. consumer protection, food safety, climate protection, data protection, Employee protection, traffic safety, regulation of the financial markets) – and there you have it
