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EU election results: a blow for the social Europe



The results of the European elections on 7 June are a blow to the social Europe as the European socialists suffer from bitter losses (162 seats against 217 before) and the conservative lead of the European Parliament (264 seats) is increased. Though the Liberals will remain the third biggest party (80 seats) and the European Greens have won additional seats in the Assembly (52 seats), there is a disquieting rise of extreme right and Eurosceptic groups across Europe (such as the British National Party and right-wing parties in Hungary, Romania, the Netherlands and Austria).

Though the constitution of all political groups will probably not be finalised before mid-July when the EP holds its inaugural session (on 14 July), it is clear that the reinforcement of centre-right parties will impact future negotiations on social policy and workers rights. Especially with regard to the telecom package, it remains to be seen whether a stronger conservative influence might jeopardize the social provisions of the compromise negotiated by the socialist rapporteur before the elections.

More information on the election results can be found on http://www.elections2009-results.eu/en/index_en.html