ICoRSA Participates in Science Europe Initiative to Gauge Views on Research and Innovation Among European Parliament Candidates
ICoRSA has joined a pilot project led by the Initiative Science Europe, in collaboration with partner organizations, to understand the perspectives of European Parliament candidates on Research and Innovation. The project gathered responses from candidates across Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The findings are now available here.
The primary goal of this exercise was to encourage political parties to prioritize Research and Innovation, often overlooked during campaign discussions. The collected answers provide valuable insights for associations involved in national discussions with political parties or those with media contacts interested in covering these topics.
Why Voting Matters in the European Elections
- Impact of Voting: The European Parliament passes laws that significantly affect various aspects of life, including the environment, security, migration, social policies, consumer rights, economy, and rule of law. Your vote helps decide which Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will represent you in shaping these laws, influencing the selection of the next European Commission, and approving the EU budget, thereby controlling spending.
- Election Dates:
- Overall: June 6-9, 2024
- Ireland: June 7, 2024
- Italy: June 8-9, 2024
- Portugal: June 9, 2024
- Spain: June 9, 2024
- Term of MEPs: European candidates are elected for a five-year term.
- Voter Registration for Those in Mobility: Voters may need to register earlier in their home country or the country of residence. Useful links for voter registration:
- Ireland: Check the Register
- Italy: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Portugal: Consulta dos cadernos de recenseamento
- Spain: Guide to European Elections 2024
- Political Groups in the European Parliament: European elections are contested by national political parties, but elected MEPs often join transnational political groups. There are seven main groups:
- Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats)
- Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament
- Renew Europe Group
- Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance
- European Conservatives and Reformists Group
- Identity and Democracy Group
- The Left group in the European Parliament – GUE/NGL
Note: The Identity and Democracy group and European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) form part of the extreme right in the Parliament and may surpass the center-right European People’s Party. Read more.
- Seats Distribution: A total of 720 MEPs will be elected in June 2024:
- Ireland: 14
- Italy: 76
- Portugal: 21
- Spain: 61
- Election Results: Results will be available here.
Candidate Information
For detailed information about candidates, visit the following websites:
- Ireland: European Movement Ireland
- Italy: Elections Européennes
- Spain: RTVE
ICoRSA encourages all stakeholders to review the collected responses and engage with political parties and media to ensure that Research and Innovation remain a key focus in European policies.