European Elections 2009
European elections completed
The 2009 European elections have taken place on 4-7 June, 2009, in each of the 27 Member States of the European Union. EU citizens were able to vote for their chosen representative for a five-year period: 736 MEPs from 27 Member States.
The European Parliament represents the citizens of the Member States at EU level. It is the only European institution to be directly elected - a procedure established in June 1979 - and the only multinational parliament in the world to be voted in through universal suffrage. From 1958 to 1979, MEPs were appointed by their national governments, and all had dual mandates.
The elections are held every five years. This seventh round of European elections coincides with the 30th anniversary of the first European elections held by universal suffrage.
Since 1958, the European Parliament has changed considerably, in part due to the progressive expansion of the EU. The number of Member States has climbed from six to 27; the number of MEPs has jumped from 142 to 736, and the official languages of the EU have risen from four to 23. Furthermore, successive revisions of the Treaties have given the EP increased power, and it has moved from a mere consultative role in 1958, to co-decision with representatives of national governments on the majority of EU legislation.
2009 European Parliament elections
The 2009 elections have taken place between 4 and 7 June, 2009. The actual polling days varied from country to country according to local custom, and the results from each of the 27 Member States was not made known until the evening of 7 June.
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden hold the elections on Sunday, 7 June. The Latvians, Cypriots, Maltese and Slovakians went to the polling stations on 6 June. The UK and Netherlands voted on 4 June. Ireland voted on 5 June. In certain Member States, the voting period was spread over two days: 5 and 6 June for the Czech Republic, 6 and 7 June for Italy.
To read the statement of the president Barrosso regarding the election results please click here.
Last update: 15.6.2009