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<strong>EU</strong>ROPEAN ELECTIONS An introduction by the editor BY ELENA SÁNCHEZ NICOLÁS When we first floated the idea of publishing a magazine in the first half of 2024, it was immediately obvious that it had to be about elections. Worldwide, this year probably more voters than ever before in human history are heading to the polls — not just across Europe, but also in India, the US, and already (sort of) in Russia — amid an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape, marked by the war in Ukraine, the unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel and the dramatic mass killing of Palestinians in Gaza. But the contributors to this magazine do not intend to present a comprehensive overview of the unprecedented number of elections globally, involving over 70 countries. Instead, this publication provides insights into June’s elections for the European Parliament, while examining a huge election in one of the key global players and its potential to reshape international dynamics. Although you are likely thinking about the US, the risks are already wellknown there. That’s why this magazine examines how the election results in a country of 1.3 billion people could shape <strong>EU</strong>-India relations, trade and geopolitical alliances. Despite the looming risks of escalation in both Ukraine and the Middle East, <strong>EU</strong> voters will head to the polls in June with a keen focus on domestic issues, ranging from the cost-of-living crisis and migration to security and climate. With migration consistently a focal point in <strong>EU</strong> elections, we look at narrative efforts undertaken by the European Commission during the past few years to offshore migration to North Africa — through pacts widely viewed as ‘cash for migrant control’ arrangements. In a frank behind-the-scenes interview, <strong>EU</strong> commissioner Věra Jourová warns against underestimating the impact that Russian disinformation and AI fakery could have on European public opinion. She worries this could create a red carpet for Vladimir Putin, who desperately needs to introduce an anti-Ukraine narrative disguised behind peace calls. While the <strong>EU</strong> has put forward legislative proposals to tackle disinformation campaigns, these elections will test the teeth of such laws. As seen with the sudden eruption of farmers’ protests, the <strong>EU</strong> 2024 elections will take place in a very polarised political climate, reflecting deep-seated divisions which are being exploited by extremist parties. While the rise of the far-right seems to be on everyone’s lips, we take an overview, with both reasons to be concerned and reasons to be hopeful. There is also an attempt to explain how the rise of culture wars alongside government-enforced austerity and economic downturns are driving the growing anti-<strong>EU</strong> sentiment. Here too, there is good news and bad news, as well as deep differences among <strong>EU</strong> member states. Notably, we also raise the issue of diversity and inclusion as one of the pending tasks facing Europe, spotlighting the obstacles that millions of people with disabilities face across the <strong>EU</strong>-27 when it comes to exercising their right to vote. And while the disconnect between the <strong>EU</strong> and its citizens is big, the disconnect between the <strong>EU</strong> and its black and brown citizens is even bigger. Will June’s elections finally purge the ‘Brussels So White’ hashtag? And with the shadow of the Qatargate corruption scandal falling heavily on Brussels, we examine how the European Parliament has failed to really seize the opportunity to carry out meaningful reforms to ensure a higher level of transparency in the institutions. Likewise, we also explore how co-legislators overlooked the need to increase transparency in political advertising for voters already for this electoral period. Ultimately, the success of this election hinges not only on who wins the most seats, and how those MEPs elected exercise their power — but also on the level of turnout and citizen engagement in this democratic process. Despite European elections being often regarded as secondary to national politics by many citizens, a new wave of teen voters in countries such as Germany, Belgium, Austria, and Greece is expected to have a say — what will they choose for their future, and how will their participation shape the political landscape for years to come? ◄ 3
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