As the 2024 European Parliament elections draw near, set to take place from 6 to 9 June, Eurostat has requested national statistical institutes across the EU to collect data on eligible voters. The findings reveal significant variations in voter representation among member states.
Germany is expected to lead with the largest number of eligible voters, totaling 65.1 million. France and Italy follow, with 50.7 million and 47.3 million voters, respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, Malta, Luxembourg, and Cyprus are anticipated to have the smallest voter bases, with 0.4 million, 0.5 million, and 0.7 million eligible voters, respectively.
Regarding first-time voters—those who have reached voting age since the last European elections in 2019—Germany again tops the list with 5.1 million new voters, followed by France with 4.5 million, and Italy with 2.8 million. The smallest numbers of new voters are expected in Malta (26,000), Cyprus (59,000), and Estonia (70,000).
Belgium, France, and Cyprus are notable for having the highest proportions of first-time voters, representing 9.8%, 9%, and 8.7% of their respective electorates. These statistics highlight the shifting demographics within the EU and the significant role of younger voters in shaping future European policies.
These insights are crucial for businesses and policymakers, as they indicate regions with substantial electoral engagement and potential shifts in the political landscape that could impact economic and regulatory environments. The upcoming elections promise to be a pivotal moment for the European Union, with voter turnout and demographics playing a key role in determining the direction of EU governance.