Tailored for newcomer voters: Demystifying EU party platforms

The 2024 European Parliament elections have begun. Europe's top political groups have revealed their plans, giving EU voters plenty of choices. These plans cover everything from digital innovation and social justice to national sovereignty and environmental sustainability, each showing a different vision for Europe's future. If you're new to Sweden, this guide should help you find the party which best fits your personal views and beliefs.

If you're new to Sweden, this guide should help you find the party which best fits your personal views and beliefs.

If you're new to Sweden, this guide should help you find the party which best fits your personal views and beliefs.

Foto: Guillaume Périgois on Unsplash

Engelska2024-05-28 12:34

Here are the political groupings, along with Sweden's main parties indicating their respective affiliations.

EU parliament grouping: EPP: balancing tradition and progress the right-wing European People's Party (EPP) addresses the digital age's challenges by promoting innovation and cybersecurity. Their balanced approach to migration mixes security with humanitarian principles, but their climate actions take a backseat to economic strength. The EPP’s focus on digital innovation and security appeals to middle-aged and older voters who value economic stability. 

Swedish party: The right-wing Moderate Party (Moderaterna) - aligns with the European People's Party (EPP).

EU parliament grouping: S&D: creating a fairer, greener Europe is the prime aim of the center-left Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D). They aim to redistribute resources fairly and invest in sustainable technologies. Their policies resonate with younger, progressive voters who prioritize sustainability and social equity. 

Swedish party: The center-left Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokraterna).

ALDE: liberalism at Europe's core The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party (ALDE) blends market innovation with sustainability. Their agenda promotes economic liberalization and green innovation. ALDE’s vision appeals to city dwellers, educated professionals, and entrepreneurs who value a forward-looking approach to economic and social policies.

ECR: prioritizing sovereignty and tailored governance The European Conservatives and Reformists Party (ECR) emphasizes national autonomy over central EU control, especially in migration and economic regulation. Their skepticism towards collective European climate action resonates with older and less educated voters who value national identity, and distrust science.

ID: national identity and security first the Identity and Democracy (ID) party focuses on national sovereignty and security. Their strict stance on immigration and border control appeals to conservative voters who prioritize cultural identity and safety.

The European left: an ecologically just Europe The Party of the European Left (PEL) advocates for radical socio-economic transformation, environmental sustainability, and opposition to neoliberal policies. Their platform resonates with younger voters and the working class affected by economic austerity.

Cross-party alliances and the future As these political groups present their visions for Europe, potential cross-party alliances emerge, especially on migration. The EPP and S&D might find common ground in balancing security and humanitarianism, while the ECR and ID might align on national sovereignty and stricter migration controls. ALDE could bridge these blocs with its liberal values. These alliances will reflect ideological compatibilities and strategic considerations to mobilize voter bases and secure electoral success.

EU election fact box

If you're 18 or older on election day, and you're a Swedish citizen or an EU citizen living in Sweden, you can vote in the European elections. 

When you're a Swedish or EU citizen voting in Sweden, you usually vote at a polling station in the area where you're registered to vote. Your voting card will tell you exactly where to go. You'll get your voting card in the mail about three weeks before the elections, and it'll have all the info you need about your polling station.

You can vote now, up until June 9. From now until June 9 you can vote at the Stadshuset (City Hall) in central Skellefteå.

More details on where, when, and how to vote in Skellefteå here.

Source: EU