EU Elections

THE EUROPEAN UNION

The EU Parliament is the only institution directly elected by EU citizens. The Lisbon Treaty has given more power to the Parliament. From 2014 the Parliament will have co-decision powers with the Council except in the areas of defence and foreign affairs. The EU Parliament has an increasing impact on the daily lives of the 500 million people living in the EU. Its decisions will also have a far reaching impact on lives of people living in the developing world. Decisions on trade and the environment will either enhance or further disadvantage the well being of EU citizens as well as that of citizens of developing countries.

Direct Elections to the European Parliament are held every 5 years. They take place within a 4 day period. This year the Elections take place on Friday May 23 rd – 8.00am – 10.30pm

There are 766 members of the European Parliament (MEPs) elected by 28 EU states, since Croatia joined the EU in 2013. Following the European Council Decision of June 28 th 2013 after the 2014 Elections there will be 751 MEPs. Ireland MEP representation is reduced to 11 MEPs

For the 2014 Elections the number of EU constituencies in Ireland will be reduced from 4 to 3.

Dublin will elect 3 MEPs. The Midlands – North-West and South will each elect 4 MEPs. The North-West and East constituencies are to be abolished. a new 4 seat constituency called Midlands - North West will be created. It will comprise all the area of the current North West constituency with the exception of County Clare which is being moved to the South constituency as well as North Leinster part of the East constituency.

The South constituency will be increased in size by the addition of counties Carlow, Clare, Kilkenny, Wexford and Wicklow.

The When and The How of EU Elections

EU Elections must be held every five years in May or June.

Where: In locations designated by Local City or County Councils

How: Single transferable vote

Who can be elected?

Any person over 18 years of age.

Who can vote?

Persons over 18 years of age who are registered who are EU citizens.

Organisation :

The Local Authority is responsible for the organisation of EU Elections.

Nominations:

Candidates must be nominated six weeks before polling day.

Results of The EU Elections May 2014

List of Elected MEPS June 2014

For more information:-

European Elections: less means more

The European Parliament will slim down from 766 MEPs this summer to 751 after the 2014 elections, but how to decide which countires should give up a seat? MEPs decided to opt for the fairest and most equitable solution when they adopted a proposal on it on Wednesday March 13th.

For more information visit websites

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