A short history of European parliamentary elections

15/05/09 17:55 CET

European Elections

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It was 1979 when the first elections for a European Parliament were held. Then, just nine countries chose their MEPs. The turnout: 62 %.

The seventh European elections are due to go-ahead in early June. Surveys forecast the lowest turnout in the history of the EU, at around 40 %.

How can we explain the public’s lack of interest?