European Union Voters Head to the Polls

Voters across 20 European Union countries are participating in their parliamentary elections. Early unofficial estimates are expected at 1615 GMT, but official results must wait until all polling stations in the 27 EU nations close on Sunday night.

Polls have officially opened across 20 European Union nations, encompassing regions from Sweden and Lithuania in the north to Portugal and Cyprus in the south. Citizens are casting their votes to elect representatives for the European Parliament's upcoming five-year term.

While early unofficial estimates are anticipated to be available from 1615 GMT, official results will remain under wraps until the last polling stations close in the 27 EU countries by late Sunday evening.

The elections are critical in shaping the legislative direction of the EU and are closely watched by observers worldwide to understand the political mood of the continent.