The 2019 EU Parliament election saw historic gains for liberal and green parties while traditional centre blocs lost ground, reshaping EU legislative politics.
Key Facts
- Election dates
- 23–26 May 2019
- Total MEPs elected
- 751 seats
- Population represented
- 512 million+ people
- Member states participating
- 28 states
- Largest party
- European People's Party (EPP)
- Commission President nominated
- Ursula von der Leyen
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Growing public concern over climate change, EU integration, and rising populism created pressure on the traditional centre-left and centre-right blocs that had long dominated the European Parliament. The extension of Article 50 meant the United Kingdom participated in the election despite ongoing Brexit negotiations, preserving the 751-seat allocation.
Between 23 and 26 May 2019, EU citizens across 28 member states elected 751 MEPs in the ninth direct European Parliament election. The European People's Party won the most seats under Manfred Weber, while liberal, green, and right-wing populist parties all recorded significant gains at the expense of the centre-left Socialists and centre-right EPP.
The EPP's plurality made Weber the leading candidate for Commission President, but the European Council bypassed him and nominated Ursula von der Leyen instead. The stronger showing for liberal and green parties shifted the parliament's balance, reflecting broader public appetite for climate action and pro-EU politics alongside a growing Eurosceptic bloc.
Political Outcome
EPP won the most seats; Ursula von der Leyen nominated as European Commission President over EPP lead candidate Manfred Weber.
Centre-right EPP and centre-left S&D held a combined majority in the European Parliament
EPP and S&D lost their combined majority; liberals, greens, and right-wing populists gained seats