European Parliament
On 26 May 2019 voters in Germany are called on to cast their vote in the elections to the European Parliament. The cabinet has now set the date for the election of the 96 members of the European Parliament who will represent Germany.
1 min reading time
In Germany, Members of the European Parliament will be elected on 26 May 2019
Photo: European Union
This is the only possible date under German electoral law that falls within the time period set by the European side: 23 to 26 May 2019.
The member states of the EU have different electoral traditions, and these are respected in elections to the European Parliament. That is why the time period for elections in member states always runs from a Thursday to a Sunday.
What is the European Parliament?
The European Parliament is the only directly elected body of the European Union. Since 1979, voters in member countries have elected MEPs directly for a period of five years. The main responsibilities of the Parliament are:
• collaboration on legislation
• exercise of democratic control
• approving the EU budget.
Plenary sessions of the European Parliament are held in Strasbourg, while the committees meet in Brussels and Strasbourg. In contrast to national parliaments, the European Parliament cannot propose any legislation – only the European Commission is entitled to do so.
Who can vote?
The Federal Returning Officer (Bundeswahlleiter) provides more information here about the election, who is entitled to vote, and how the votes are counted.