Voters in 21 EU countries will conclude a four-day election for the European Parliament, which is expected to shift the assembly to the right and boost the numbers of Eurosceptic nationalists.
The election will shape how the 450 million citizens in the Europe an Union confronts challenges including a hostile Russia, increased industrial rivalry from China and the United States, climate change and immigration.
Opinion polls predict the pro-European liberals and Greens will lose seats, reducing the majority of the centre-right and centre-left and complicating efforts to push through new EU laws or increase European integration. European Greens, facing a backlash from hard-pressed households, farmers and industry over costly EU policies limiting CO2 emissions, look set to be among the big losers.
In Belgium, voters will also get to elect federal and regional chambers and are expected to back the far-right Flemish Separatist Party Vlaams Belang in record numbers, although it could still be kept from office by other parties.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Irish Times view on the European Parliament elections: a threat from the far-rightEU policy-making faces new uncertainties with a prolonged period of bargaining likely after the results of Friday’s vote are announced
Read more »
European Elections: Millions go to the polls to elect 720 members to EU parliamentFar-right parties projected to make sizable gains but mainstream groups remain on course to win solid majority
Read more »
'My wife is making me vote' - Voters cast ballots in local and European electionsVoting is continuing across the country in the local and European elections with voters in Limerick also casting their ballot for Mayor
Read more »
In pictures: Voters head to the polls in local and European electionsAs the housing crisis, the cost of living and migration are at the forefront of the nation's concerns, voters are having their say
Read more »
What’s on the line for voters in the European elections tomorrow?Europe letter: Stakes are higher as far right surge predicted to push European Parliament towards greater instability
Read more »
Five key issues to consider when voting in the European Parliament electionThis is a unique opportunity to elect effective representatives directly to a supranational parliament that has real teeth
Read more »