Every five years European voters are called to the ballot box to choose Members of the European Parliament. The vote has a direct impact on EU policy over the following parliamentary term. 

The European elections are the biggest transnational vote on the planet and they shape not only Europe but also the EU’s place in the world.

Find out more about European elections!

Voting in the European elections - VT EE24

Voting in the European elections - 4-5 EE24

Voting in the European elections -16:9 EE24

On 1 November 1993, the Maastricht Treaty came into force! It marked a new stage in the process of European integration by creating 'an ever-closer union among the peoples of Europe'.   

The Treaty is the cornerstone of the European Union that we know today. It gave more power to the people by increasing the lawmaking powers of the European Parliament!  

Did you know that thanks to the Maastricht Treaty you, as EU citizen, can vote and stand in EU elections in any EU country? Your next chance is in June 2024!

The Maastricht Treaty: 30 years of ever-closer union

MEPs have adopted measures to help EU countries protect their interests in the face of economic blackmail and distortive market influences from third countries.     
      
EU states can face coercive measures from non-EU countries unhappy at certain policy stances.     
      
Meanwhile, foreign subsidies can undermine the principle of a level playing field in the EU single market.        
      
Find out more about the Anti-coercion Instrument and the Foreign Subsidies Regulation.

Protecting the EU's economy from unfair outside influence

The rule of law is a keystone of democracy and a core EU value.    
   
MEPs have consistently warned it is under threat in some member states, amid concerns corruption and compromised judicial systems could lead to the misuse of EU funds.    
   
The European Parliament has created a tool to protect the EU’s money and values.    
   
The rule of law conditionality mechanism lets the EU suspend payments that may be spent in ways that flout democratic standards and fundamental rights.   
   
Find out more in our short explainer video.

The rule of law conditionality mechanism decrypted

Voting in the European elections

The European Parliament has given the green light to a new framework to regulate the volatile world of crypto-currency.   
    
MEPs approved a ground-breaking set of rules around crypto-assets, which aim to combat money laundering and market manipulation.  
 
The EU wants to detect and stop illicit flows of crypto-assets, while making it safer for people to hold and trade them.

monetary relations (2406)

Videos

Media published for this tag

33

Videos