Kaja Kaźmierska
As Hungary's authoritarian leader prepares to take up the EU presidency on 1 July, European Parliament leaders have been attempting to block his appointment. This, argues Kaja Kaźmierska, is not necessary. Any 'real damage' that the Hungarian presidency can do is limited. Indeed, Orbán's presidency could have a positive impact on the Hungarian people, bringing the EU closer to them. Read more
Catherine E. De Vries
Following the European election results, Ursula von der Leyen faces a rocky road to confirmation as President of the Commission for a second term, writes Catherine E. De Vries. The key question is how she is going to be able to satisfy very different demands from the various groupings. Read more
James F. Downes
James F. Downes argues that elections to the European Parliament will likely lead to record representation for populist far-right parties. Lack of unity and ideological divisions, however, will make it difficult for the far right to wield any real power Read more
Michal Grahn
Evidence shows that young people make productive legislators who work hard and get reelected. With elections to the European Parliament imminent, voters have a chance to significantly boost youth representation in European politics. Michal Grahn argues that youth representation matters because young people are growing increasingly disillusioned with democracy Read more
Michal Grahn
Far-right parties are growing increasingly hostile towards LGBTQ rights. In the forthcoming European Parliament elections, such parties are expected to gain significant ground. Michal Grahn shows that non-straight voters might, through mobilisation, help keep far-right forces at bay Read more
Jaap Hoeksma
As we approach the the European Parliament elections, from 6–9 June, Jaap Hoeksma argues that the European Union has resolved its problems of democratic legitimacy by becoming a democratic international organisation Read more
Shane P. Singh
Compulsory voting boosts turnout but has also negative consequences, such as increasing invalid voting. Furthermore, it gives voters, including newly enfranchised youth, few opportunities to express discontent or disinterest. Shane P. Singh, Carolina Plescia and Sylvia Kritzinger argue that we could solve this by introducing a 'none-of-the-above' (NOTA) option Read more
Sergio Fabbrini
Charles Michel had agreed to stand down early as President of the European Council so he could run for the European Parliament. Recently, however, he changed his mind. Sergio Fabbrini argues this highlights the disadvantages of the EU multiple presidency system, leaving the EU without a single representatives of its interests Read more
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