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Quick guide to the EU and voting

This article was written by Mathilde, a French student who supports #GiveAVote.

Do you know how you look like when you have a hangover? Imagine European countries after two world wars...

The basics

In 1957, six countries - France, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium and Italy - decided to create the European Economic Community (EEC) to restore the economy, guarantee peace and democracy in their countries. CHEERS!

In 1992 the EEC became the one we all know: THE EUROPEAN UNION.

EU rules are governed by the treaties, created and signed by the Member States. And it is composed of several institutions such as the Council of the European Union in Brussels, the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the Court of Justice in Luxembourg and the European Central Bank in Frankfurt.

Over the years, we have made friends and, now, we are a band of 28 countries in the EU (soon 27 as a result of Brexit in the UK).

So what now?

This year 705 MEPs will be elected in Europe. Concretely, your role is to delegate the job to the list that you will choose, composed of potential future MEPs who will sit in the European Parliament. You can also start a political career! (And why not!)

What do those people do in the European Parliament?

They participate in the implementation of the common European policy whose themes are varied. Among the projects put in place, you will find for example:

  • Telecommunication: no more roaming charges for you, no matter where in the EU you travel.
  • Youth mobility: You can travel (oops ‘study’) through the Erasmus programme that exists since 1987. And the implementation of ERASMUS + in 2013, has added a sport component to the party!
  • The fight against excessive deficits: have you already been in the overdraft? Guess what? EU countries too! So, we help each other but with rules like those of "two pack" adopted in 2013 which allows national and European budget projects to be in phase.

And there are causes for everyone: agriculture, environment, gender equality....

Why should I #GiveAVote

For you, us, him, her, them, your country, your vision!
Are you in favour of something? So, go choose who will represent your point of view.
Are you against something? So, go choose who will represent your point of view.

Don’t forgot, all the politicians don’t represent only one opinion of Europe. This is what we call democracy. If you want your point of view to be defended, then express yourself by going to vote!

When and how

The European elections will take place from 23 to 26 May 2019 throughout Europe. In France, you will vote on May 26, 2019. Do not miss the date - it is a direct universal vote: there is only one round. Candidates will be elected at the highest average.
You must be 18 years old or older to vote in France. A few European countries have extended their voting age to 16.
Have you registered on an electoral list? You will vote in this same town.