UK European Elections: Implications for the Balance of Power in the EP
UK European Elections: Implications for the Balance of Power in the EP

Author(s): Marta Makowska, Melchior Szczepanik
Subject(s): Governance, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, EU-Legislation
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: United Kingdom; European elections; power balance; European Parliament; Brexit; ratification of Brexit agreement; political disputes;
Summary/Abstract: The decision to extend the ratification period of the Brexit agreement until 31 October obliges the United Kingdom to hold European elections. The result will impact the balance of power in the European Parliament (EP). If the Social Democrats in the EP collect additional Labour Party mandates and become the largest faction, it could change the dynamics of the negotiations around the appointment of top EU representatives. British MEPs’ mandate to participate in making decisions that will have a long-term impact is legally incontestable but likely to lead to political disputes.

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