European Polls Open Amidst Right-Wing Surge and War Tensions

Voters across 20 European Union nations are choosing members for the European Parliament. Amid rising populist and far-right sentiment, concerns grow regarding the EU's decision-making capacity. The election results, influenced by the ongoing war in Ukraine and anti-migrant feelings, may shape the bloc's future political landscape.

Polling stations opened across 20 European Union countries on Sunday as citizens voted for their representatives in the European Parliament. Amid worries of a shift towards right-wing politics, there are fears it might hamper the effectiveness of the EU, the world's largest trading bloc, in decision-making. This comes during a pivotal period marked by the Ukrainian war and increasing anti-migrant sentiment.

With 720 seats up for grabs, the distribution ranges from six in Malta and Luxembourg to 96 in Germany. The official results will be reported after polling stations close, while unofficial estimates are expected to start arriving from 1615 GMT.

Recent exit polls suggest significant gains for Geert Wilders' anti-migrant party in the Netherlands, although pro-European coalitions remain strong. Over the past five years, populist or far-right parties have gained prominence in several EU nations, fueled by crises including the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

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