Jean Monnet Public Lecture: The Elections to the European Parliament: What They Mean to the Political Integration Process

ABSTRACT:

For the 9th time since 1979, the elections to the European Parliament will take place in May next year. They are a major political moment for the European Union and will be the first after Brexit. The European political families gain more and more in relevance.

This presentation will address the following: How are the political groups structured in the European Parliament ? What is the meaning of the novelty of the “lead candidates”? What are the public expectations in regard to this election? How does the politisation of the public debate contribute to the integration process of the continent?

SHORT BIO:

Since 2014, Étienne Bassot is the Director of the Members' Research Service at European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS). Before that, he has directed the Policy Department of the European Parliament’s Directorate-General for External Policies. The Members' Research Service responds to specific requests from individual Members for information, analysis and research and provides briefing notes and other analysis and research for Members collectively on policies and issues. Within the Parliament, Mr Bassot has previously held positions in the secretariats of the Committees on Internal Market and on Development. He served as advisor to former European parliament President Nicole Fontaine from 2000 to 2002.