Jason I. McMann, PhD’s Post

Looking at the US election results, the EU may not seem like such a bad place... However, last June's EU elections also pointed at a shifting political landscape in Europe. While centrist parties expanded, far-right groups gained momentum, often driven by anti-migrant and anti-LGBTQIA sentiments, threatening EU values of diversity and inclusion. In July, 720 MEPs arrived in Brussels, with numerous new members shaping the EU's political direction. Despite hopes for diversity, the share of women MEPs fell from 40% to 39%, and the average age stands at 50, underscoring ongoing gaps in representation across gender, age, race, and more. On the 19th of November, the Brussels Binder will host a discussion on how this more fragmented and less representative European Parliament may influence EU policy. The event brings together newly elected MEPs, civil society, and diversity experts to share perspectives on navigating the complex EU political landscape. Update: this event is now fully booked.

The growing participation of candidates of Congolese origin in elections in Belgium highlights the diversity and democratic richness of the country 🇧🇪💬 #BelgianPolitics #PoliticalEngagement #PoliticalDiversity

🇪🇺 #EuropeanElections : EU citizens have started heading to the polls to elect the next #EuropeanParliament.      🌐 These elections are crucial to reaffirming #democracy in Europe and setting a collective direction at the local, national and European level. Yet, these elections are also the least-appealing in the eyes of #European public opinion, reflecting the chronic lack of interest Europeans have in their own #institutions, perceived as distant from their daily lives.   🗳️ However, participation rates have witnessed an increase in recent years, reaching over 50% in 2019. A trend which seems to have strengthened in 2024, with 71% of Europeans intending to #vote according to the Spring 2024 Eurobarometer. 👉 Follow us to find out more as we keep a close eye on the outcome which will no doubt further highlight the #mutations facing the world today.

Is this what democracy looks like? Although Labour has just won a massive majority (64% of seats) in the British House of Commons, proportionally it won just 34% of the votes. The Liberal Democrats won 12% of the votes and gained 71 seats. The Reform Party, meanwhile, won 14% of the votes and gained just 4 seats. If there were proportional representation in the UK, Reform would have won 93 seats. The Green parties won 7% of votes and only 4 seats.  They should have won 45. Instead, the UK has an outdated “first-past-the-post” system, which only benefits the two major parties and massively disadvantages all others. It also means that millions of people across the country are not represented. This is not democratic. If your country has proportional representation, be thankful. #uk #elections #democracy #ukpolitics #representation

In recent years, we've seen a positive shift in voter attitudes towards the #EuropeanUnion. European citizens are recognizing the importance of their voice in shaping #EU policies. 👉 At the same time, the rise in the share of seats held by parties critical of the EU can pose challenges for policymaking within the European Parliament. 💡 In a politically fragmented and polarized landscape, fostering open dialogue and communication is essential for maintaining the integrity of European #democracy. So are the forthcoming European Parliament #elections on the 6th to 9th of June, which present a vital opportunity for European citizens to decide on the future path of the Union: ➡ https://lnkd.in/dJ6kghpZ #RolandBerger #4Europe

Let’s review the newly released campaign video by the European Parliament for the #EuropeanElections2024. The election campaign addresses the creation of the EU as a peace project after World War II and has one main message: peace and democracy require an active effort from everyone. Here are our five take-aways from it: 🟠 The campaign contains one clear call to action: Use your vote (and don’t take democracies for granted) 🟠 Individual interviews personalise the message and make it more memorable 🟠 Hope can be a powerful mobiliser, but remains quite abstract 🟠 It doesn’t address concerns of specific voter groups 🟠 Despite a representation across age and gender groups, other minority groups (among others, people of colour) are absent from the video What do you think about the EU Parliament’s campaign? → find out more on https://lnkd.in/dj2nD_Wa #useyourvote #europeanelections #EU #2024elections #democracy #democraticvalues #inclusivity

🗳️ Did you know that you have the chance to #UseYourVote in the upcoming EU elections? The 2024 European Parliament election takes place on 6–9 June and is your chance to actively shape the future of Europe. Organised every 5 years, this election allows EU citizens to make their voices heard. Not sure if you are eligible to vote or how to go about it? Check this link to find information on voter eligibility and registration: https://lnkd.in/dj2nD_Wa As European University Alliances, our shared values unite us. By shaping the European Education Area, we are committed to fostering democracy and strengthening excellence in European education and research. Together, we rally behind this important cause: our democratic right to make our voices heard and vote for the future we want. Make sure to #UseYourVote and shape the future of Europe! 🌍 #EuropeanElections #Democracy #EUValues

Ahead of the #EU elections next June, a new report of ILGA-Europe shows a stark rise in anti-#LGBTI, and in particular transphobic statements from politicians across #Europe.     Executive Director of ILGA-Europe, Chaber says: “LGBTI rights are under attack, and children are being harmed in the process. As we witness the rise of political forces that question basic fundamental rights and freedom, the elections next June will be a pivotal moment for the EU, and for LGBTI people. In light of the findings of the 2024 Annual Review, our ‘Come Out 4 Europe’ campaign will call for clear political commitments on safeguarding human rights, democracy and freedom from candidates for the European Parliament.”   Find the press release here: https://lnkd.in/e-EwwJWB Find the report here: https://lnkd.in/ed3PG4Ny

Change is now. The European elections will take place from June 6th - June 9th, 2024. Around 350 million people in 27 countries will vote for the 720 members of the European Parliament. It is an opportunity to actively shape our European future, to preserve and strengthen democracy. EUTOP recognizes the importance of this historic tenth European election for the political and economic landscape. We are at a crossroads of many challenges and opportunities. The upcoming elections will bring decisions that will have a significant impact on Europe - from the economy and trade to social justice and environmental protection.   That is why EUTOP is addressing all eligible voters: your vote counts! Use it for a democratic Europe that stands for freedom, equality and the rule of law.   #EUTOP #EU #EuropeanUnion #EUElections #EUElections24 #future #vote #democracy

🗳️ Did you know that you have the chance to #UseYourVote in the upcoming EU elections? The 2024 European Parliament election takes place on June 6 – 9 and is your chance to actively shape the future of Europe. Organised every 5 years, this election allows EU citizens to make their voices heard. Not sure if you are eligible to vote or how to go about it? Check this link to find information on voter eligibility and registration: https://lnkd.in/dj2nD_Wa As European University Alliances, our shared values unite us: By shaping the European Education Area, we are committed to fostering democracy and to strengthening excellence in European education and research. Together, we rally behind this important cause: our democratic right to make our voices heard and vote for the future we want. Make sure to #UseYourVote and shape the future of Europe! 🌍  #EuropeanElections #Democracy #EUValues