The European Parliament has released the “EU Post-Electoral Survey 2024,” which examines voting behaviour and the main priorities of EU citizens. According to the survey, rising prices and the cost of living (42%), and the economic situation (41%) were the primary factors motivating European citizens to vote in the most recent European elections held in June. A third of voters (34%) cited the international situation as a motivating factor, while a similar proportion mentioned the importance of defending democracy and the rule of law (32%). Among those who did not vote, 46% cited the cost of living, and 36% cited the economic situation as a factor that could have motivated them to participate in the elections.
“Last June, people across Europe made their voice count as we saw the highest turnout in the European Parliament elections in 30 years. They gave us a mandate to act, to provide answers and solutions and to make a positive difference in their daily lives. We will deliver,” commented European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
“Over the coming weeks, the European Parliament is scrutinising the new European Commission to ensure it will address the issues that are a priority for people: the cost of living, the state of our economy, democracy, rule of law, migration and security. The European Parliament will continue to work to make people’s voice count in the EU,” Metsola added.
Support for EU and trust in parliamentary democracy high
Despite economic challenges, support for the EU remains high. The survey shows that 65% of citizens are optimistic about the future of the EU, and 48% have a positive impression of the EU, with only 16% holding a negative view. Additionally, 70% of Europeans believe that their country has benefited from EU membership, citing increased cooperation between member states (36%), peace and security (32%), economic growth (28%), and new work opportunities (24%) as the main reasons. Trust in European parliamentary democracy is at a record high, with 42% of citizens having a positive image of the European Parliament. The 2024 European elections saw a turnout of 50.74%, the highest in 30 years, and 56% of citizens believe that their voice counts in the EU, an increase of 8 percentage points from February/March 2024.
Analysis of this post-electoral survey further suggests that voting in European elections has become a habit for many citizens. When asked why they voted, 46% of voters say they always do, 42% say it is their duty as citizens, and 20% say they want to support the political party they feel close to. The decision on whom to vote for in the European elections in 2024 was mainly based on how close the parties’ proposals were to the voters’ ideas and values. Proposals of a given party on European issues were the most frequent reason to be selected for the ballot, given by 47% (+4 pp since 2019) of the voters.
The European Parliament’s post-electoral Eurobarometer survey was conducted by the Verian research agency from June 13 to July 8, 2024, in all 27 EU Member States. A total of 26,349 face-to-face and video interviews were conducted. The survey results were weighted based on population size and socio-demographic variables and adjusted according to the national turnout for the European elections.
