by Weronika CYCAK | Draft 2014.4.10
Abstract
On 22th – 25th of May, European citizens will go to the polls to choose their representatives in the European Parliament which is the only directly elected institution of the European Union. Coming elections are expected to be of special significance, due to increase in the European Parliament powers in the decision-making after the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. It is also the first time that the European elections result will have to be taken into account in the appointment process of the European Commission President. At the same time, the 2014 elections give a chance to European citizens to express their critical views on current EU policies. This paper gives an overview of the European Parliament powers and the electoral process. Furthermore, it discusses concerns over the 2014 elections, such as predicted low turnout and the rise of euroscepticism.