Brussels 09.06.2024 European Parliament 2024 – 2029 first projection.
The EU’s 27 electorates are very different, so it’s not always evident to draw any conclusion on turnout figures and what they mean.

But already we’re getting some indicating figures from several countries, and it just shows how varied they are.

In France, turnout by 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT) was 45.26%, which is almost two points higher than the last European elections five years ago. Polling experts believe the final figure will be between 52-53%, and it was only 50.12% in 2019.

In the Netherlands too participation was up to almost 47% on Thursday, June 6, according to the exit poll, the highest for 35 years.

But in Poland and Greece, it’s not looking quite promising for politicians. By midday in Poland, turnout was almost three points down at 11.66%.

Furthermore in Greece turnout was at 32.9%, and it could be heading for the lowest figure since joining the EU.