Making European elections fairer and easier for everyone

European Parliament Resolution – Reform of the European Electoral Act (2026)

The Parliament wants all EU countries to use the same rules for electing Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The goal is to make elections fairer, clearer, and more democratic for every EU citizen.

Why it matters

• A single, common election system would give every voter the same chance to be heard and would help build a European public debate.
• Today each country still uses its own rules, which creates big differences in how elections are run, how long lists of candidates are finalised, and how people can vote.
• The current rules were written in 1976 and have not kept pace with the EU’s growth and the powers of the Parliament.

Key problems identified

1. Fragmented rules – National laws still dominate, so elections look and feel very different across the EU.
2. Unequal deadlines – Some countries finish candidate lists in 21 days, others need 90 days, giving some voters and candidates an unfair advantage.
3. Limited visibility of European parties – Ballots often show only national party names, so voters don’t see which European group a candidate belongs to.
4. Accessibility gaps – People with disabilities sometimes cannot change polling stations or get voting information in accessible formats.
5. Postal voting is optional – Many countries do not offer postal voting, which would help people who cannot vote in person.
6. Dual‑citizenship confusion – EU citizens who are registered in more than one country can be penalised if they vote only once.
7. Slow ratification – The 2018 reform still needs to be approved by all Member States; one country has not finished the process.

Main conclusions

• The EU needs a common, proportional representation system with a maximum 5 % threshold and a ban on MEPs holding dual national mandates.
• The Parliament’s role as a directly elected body must be reflected in the election rules.
• The EU should act quickly to finish the ratification of the 2018 reform and to adopt the optional measures that would make elections more transparent and inclusive.

Recommendations for Member States

1. Harmonise deadlines – All countries should finish candidate lists at the same time to give equal campaigning time.
2. Make postal voting mandatory – Offer postal voting everywhere to help people who cannot vote in person, including young and mobile voters.
3. Improve accessibility – Ensure polling stations and voting materials are usable for people with disabilities and that they can change stations if needed.
4. Show European party links – Ballots must list the European party or group each candidate belongs to, and campaigns should display these links on posters, TV, radio, and online.
5. Implement all optional measures – Adopt the 2018 reform’s optional rules, such as clearer information on electoral alliances and better media coverage of European parties.
6. Standardise candidacy rules – Make it easier for all political actors to run for office, ensuring fair competition.
7. Finish ratification – The remaining Member State must complete the ratification process so the reform can take effect.

Next steps

The Parliament will send this resolution to the Council and the Commission, urging them to start talks and to act with the political will needed to make European elections truly European, transparent, and inclusive.