Activities of Laura HUHTASAARI related to 2020/2220(INL)
Plenary speeches (1)
Election of the Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage (debate)
Amendments (66)
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas since 1976, when the European Electoral Act paved the way for the election of the representatives of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage for the first time, the EP has continuously requested the reform of EU electoral law and moves towards a more a genuine, uniform and European electoral procedure; whereas electoral law falls within the competence of the Member States;
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas, despite some steps forward in defining common standards of electoral procedures for the European Parliament, today EU elections are still mostly governed by national laws and therefore more improvements are needed to establish a genuinely uniform procedure for European elections today EU elections are still mostly governed by national laws and are a collection of national elections and they should stay as such in the future;
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the turnout registered in the 2019 European elections was the highest of any elections to the European Parliament in the last 20 years; whereas increased turnout is a positive signal shows that citizens of the Union are taking an increasing interest in the development of thea new European integratUnion, as indicated also by the results of the special Eurobarometer of 9 March 2021;
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas an appropriate approach to reforming the European electoral law should be based on respect for the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and the introduction of recommendations for common minimum standards , based on the European best practices;
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas the reform of the European Parliament's electoral procedure should aim to enhance the democratic and transnational dimension of the European elections and the democratic legitimacy of the Union decision-making process, reinforce the concept of citizenship of the Union, improve the functioning of the European Parliament and the governance of the Union, make the work of the European Parliament more legitimate, strengthen the principles of electoral equality and equal opportunities, enhance the effectiveness of the system for conducting European elections, and bring Members of the European Parliament closer to their voters, and in particular the youngest amongst them, while preserving the national character of electoral matters;
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital T
Recital T
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital W
Recital W
W. whereas an electoral authority, acting as a network of network and synergies among Member States' single contactelectoral authorities, should be set updeveloped at Union level, as this would facilitate access to information on the rules governing the European elections, as well as streamlining the process, managing the joint constituency and enhancing the European character of those elections;
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital X
Recital X
X. whereas postal, electronic and internet voting could make the conduct of European elections more efficient and more appealing for voters, whilstthe voting system in each Member State should be efficient and should ensuringe the highest possible standards of data protection;
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Suggests the reform of its electoral procedure with the goal of shaping in a concrete way a European public sphere, by suggesting recommendations for common minimum standards and legislative changbased on the European best practices ahead of the 2024 European elections;
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers it essential to improve the transparency and democratic accountability of the Parliament, by strengthening the European dimension of the elections, notably by shifting the debate in election campaigns away from national topics towards genuinely European issues; in addition, considers it essential to transform the European elections into a single European election, as opposed to the collection of 27 separate national elections, which is the way that European elections are mainly perceived today; in addition, considers it essential to provide national electoral authorities with support from the EU level;
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Observes that diverging electoral cultures have resulted in a range of different electoral systems; considers therefore that recommon minimum standards are needed, in order to ensure approximation towards a unified European electoral law and equality of the vote for citizens of the Unionendations for common standards, based on the European best practices, are needed, including as regards: the right to register a party and to stand for elections; access to ballots; the fielding of candidates; accessibility of voting; or what happens on the day of the elections;
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for the establishment of a common framework of recommendations, with benchmarks and minimum standards for election rules across the EU, and suggests focusing on a strong coordination with national measures for implementing the core of its proposals, without prejudice to the Member States' authority in the field of electoral law;
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers gender equality to be a key horizontal element for improving the quality of EU democracy and enhancing a European public space; calls on Member States to apply this principle and the provisions contained in the Parliament’s proposal in the attached legislative act in a comprehensive way, in accordance with their own competences; calls for the introduction of lists of candidates with an equal number of male and female candidates for the electable places, for example through the use of zipped lists or other equivalent methods, since, in many Member States, there is no legislation that ensures political gender parity in electionfurther calls on Member States to increase efforts to ensure gender equality and equal opportunities in the European electoral process;
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on EuropeanEncourages political parties and movements to nominindicate their candidates for the position of President of the Commission - or common candidates of a coalition of European parties and movements - at least 12 weeks before the start of the electoral period; consi, in orders that binding democratic procedures and transparency in the selection should be ensured; expects candidates to be placed in the first position of the corresponding list of the joint constituencyo ensure the democratic scrutiny and a fully informed choice of EU citizens when voting in the European elections;
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls for enhancing the visibility of European parties and movements through media campaigns and on ballot papers and all electoral materials; determines that national parties shallcan indicate their affiliation to the European political parties and to the corresponding lead candidate during the electoral campaign;
Amendment 188 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
Amendment 204 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that transnational lists are a lever that can be used to bring about the formation of true and effectiveEuropean elections are a collection of national processes, in which European political parties and movements can play an important role;
Amendment 215 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Suggests including common provisions governing expenditure linked to the European electoral campaign for each entity admitted for the purpose of tabling a list of candidates for members of the European Parliament in the Union-wide constituencyto the EU elections; calls for strong coordination with the upcoming revision of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/20214 on this matter;
Amendment 222 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Recalls that the minimum age for eligibility to stand as a candidate across the 27 Member States varies between 18 and 25; calls for the introducobserves that its determination falls within national competences and encourages the adoption of a recommendation ofor a single, harmonised age for passive and active voting rights across Member States as a way to ensure real voting equality and to avoid discrimination in the most fundamental area of citizenship, namely the right to participate in the democratic process;
Amendment 229 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Considers transparency of the electoral process and access to reliable information to be essential elements for raising European political awareness and securing an election turnout that is high enough to constitute a mandate from the electorate; highlights that citizens shall be informed well in advance - notably 12 weeks before the elections - about the candidates standing in the European elections and about the affiliation of national political parties to a European political party;
Amendment 237 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Proposes establishing a European Estructured network between national electoral Aauthority in charge ofies for coordinating information on the European elections, monitoring the implementation of the common standards of the European electoral law and supervising the exchange of information on voting by citizens of the Union outside their home country; considers that such a bodystructure could facilitate an efficient exchange of information, and in particular the sharing of best practices, between national bodies; suggests that an essential task of the Authority would be the management of the register of electoral lists for joint constituencies;
Amendment 255 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Believes that the introduction of postal voting is neededcould be useful for voters who are unable to go to the polling stations on election day, and that this could make the conduct of European elections more efficient and more appealing for voters in specific or exceptional circumstances; calls in this regard on Members States to consider the possible introduction of complementary enhancing tools such as electronic or internet votingeffective tools and procedures, in accordance with their own national traditions and constitutions, and with appropriate safeguards;
Amendment 262 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Believes that establishing a common European voting day would create a more coherent pan-European election and therefore suggests fixing 9th May as the European election day , regardless of the day of the week on which it falls, with the possibility of that day becoming a public holiday; considers it important that the first official projections of the electoral results are announced simultaneously in all Member Statenational authorities make independent decisions regarding election times, e.g. the first official projections onf the election day at 21:00 hours CEToral results;
Amendment 270 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 4
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 4
(4) In spite of the provisions of the Electoral Act, elections to the European Parliament, which are largely determined by national rules, which differ considerably across Member States, resulting in a range of different electoral systems. Elections for the European Parliament take place on different days, and votes are cast for national parties with national candidates on the basis of national programmes. Approximation of those different electoral systems through the adoption of a more unified European electoral lawrecommendations for a more harmonised European electoral process across the Member States, based on clear common principles and rulesstandards, would ensure voter equality for all citizens of the Union, and strengthen the European public sphere.
Amendment 272 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 5
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 5
Amendment 284 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 6
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 6
(6) According to Article 10(4) of the TEU, political parties at European level contribute to forming European political awareness and to expressing the will of citizens of the Union. European political parties and movements should therefore play a more central role in the European elections’ process, including by giving them the possibility of tabling pan- European lists in the Union-wide constituency, so that they become known by and and become more visible to electors, both on ballot papers and in campaign materials and publications.
Amendment 301 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 9
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 9
(9) A European Electoral Authority should be established for the management of the Union-wide constituency. Such a European Estructured network between national electoral Aauthority wies should be essentialtablished for coordinating information on the European elections and monitoring the implementation of the common standards of the European electoral law, by ensuring an efficient exchange of information and best practices between national bodies. In addition.
Amendment 313 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 10
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 10
(10) In order to encourage voter participation in elections to the European Parliament, Member States shcould provide for advance and postal voting. To fully take advantage of the possibilities offered by technological developments, Member States could also permit electronic and internet votingevaluate other tools with respect of their constitutional traditions, while ensuring the reliability of the result, the secrecy of the vote and the protection of personal data, in accordance with applicable Union and national law.
Amendment 320 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 12
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 12
(12) The minimum age for the exercise of active passive voting rights varies across the 27 Member States. AMember States shall assess to introduce a single harmonised age for active and passive voting should be introduced across the Union in order to, while always ensureing equality and to avoid discrimination in the most fundamental civic and political right - the right to vote.
Amendment 330 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 13
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 13
(13) The 1976 Electoral act established a common electoral period, giving the Member States the power to set the exact date and the time for the elections within that period. A truly pan-European election requires not just a common period, but a common European voting day. The elections for the European Parliament shcould be held on 9 May, Europe Day, marking the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950.
Amendment 348 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 2 – point 3
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 2 – point 3
(3) ‘European coalition of national political parties and/or national political movements’ means an electoral alliance by a number of national political parties and/or national political movements equal to one quarter of the Member States, where necessary rounded up to the nearest whole number, that tables a candidacy to, and campaigns for the Union-wide constituencdeclaring their affiliation of a same European political party;
Amendment 365 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 2 – point 6
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 2 – point 6
(6) ‘European electoral coalition’ means an electoral and political alliance by two or more European political parties and/or European political movements that fields a list of candidates for and campaigns in the Union-wide constituency. National political parties and/or national political movements can also join such an electoral alliance provided that they are not affiliated to a European political party and there is no other affiliated national political party to any of the European political parties of the electoral allianceor movements and/or national parties or movements from different Member States;
Amendment 375 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 2 – point 8
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 2 – point 8
Amendment 392 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 4
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 4
Every European Union citizen from 18 years of age shallcan have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate for election to the European Parliament, in both the national and in the Union-wide constituency, without prejudice to those Member States that, at the date of the entry into force of this Regulation, have set the minimum age that is lower than 18without prejudice to the competence of the Member States to set the minimum age for eligibility to vote and for eligibility to stand as a candidate.
Amendment 415 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 8 – paragraph 1
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shallcan provide for postal voting in elections to the European Parliament, including for citizens living in a third country, and shall adopt measures that ensure that postal voting is accessible accessibility of vote, in particular for persons with disabilities. Member States shall adopt all necessary measures to ensure the reliability and secrecy of the vote, and the protection of personal data in accordance with applicable Union law.
Amendment 418 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 8 – paragraph 2
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. Member States may providevaluate additional possibilities of voting by way of electronic and internet systems, without prejudice to the possibility of proxy voting as allowed by applicable national provisions at the time of the entry into force of this Regulation. In the event of electronic, internet, and proxy voting,and means of voting, with respect of their constitutional traditions. Member States shall adopt all necessary measures to ensure the reliability and the secrecy of the vote, and the protection of personal data in accordance with applicable Union law.
Amendment 437 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 10 – paragraph 2
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 10 – paragraph 2
The lists of candidates for election to the European Parliament shall ensure gender parity. This shall be ensured through the introduction of lists of candidates with an equal number of male and female candidates for the electable placequality and equal opportunities. The names of the male and female candidates shall appear alternately on the ballot paper.
Amendment 446 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 12 – paragraph 2
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. Members of the European Parliament shall be elected as representatives of the citizens of the Union on the basis of proportional representation, in each Member State and in the Union- wide constituency.
Amendment 455 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 12 – paragraph 4
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 12 – paragraph 4
Amendment 465 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 13 – paragraph 2
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 13 – paragraph 2
Amendment 477 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 15
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 15
Amendment 546 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 16
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 16
Amendment 603 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 17 – paragraph 4
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 17 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall ensure that European electoral entities are given equal treatment and opportunities as national parties and national political movements regarding the electoral campaign related to the Union-wide constituencyopportunities to be visible during the electoral campaign.
Amendment 606 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 18 – paragraph 1
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall designate a contact authority responsible for exchanging data on voters and candidates with its counterparts in the other Member States and with the European Einformation on voting data and procedures and on internal best practices (“national electoral authority”) with its counterparts in the other Member States, in order to establish the structured and coordinated network of national electoral Aauthority established underies foreseen in Article 27.
Amendment 611 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 18 – paragraph 2
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 18 – paragraph 2
Amendment 616 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 19 – paragraph 1
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. Elections to the European Parliament shallmay be held on 9 May of the last year of a parliamentary term, as referred to in Article 20. The election shall end in all Member States by 21:00 hours local time on that day, unless otherwise determined by the individual Member States for objective impossibility or other internal reasons, as assessed by the national authorities.
Amendment 619 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 19 – paragraph 2
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 19 – paragraph 2
Amendment 628 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 22 – paragraph 2
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 22 – paragraph 2
For this purpose it shall take note of the results declared officially by the Member States and by the European Electoral Authority, and shall rule on any disputes which may arise out of the provisions of this Regulation other than those arising out of the national provisions to which this Regulation refernational authorities.
Amendment 638 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 26 – paragraph 5
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 26 – paragraph 5
Amendment 655 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 1
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 1
1. A European Estructured network among national electoral Aauthority is hereby establishies shall be implemented for the purpose of coordinating the exchange of information on the European elections across the EU, monitoring the implementation of this Regulation and supervising the exchange of information on citizens of the Union voting outside their home country, as well as conducting and monitoring the electoral process of the Union-wide constituency.
Amendment 659 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
2. The Adesignated authorityies shall be independent and shall exercise itstheir functions in full compliance with national law and this Regulation.
Amendment 663 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The Aauthorityies shall exercise all the functions related to the electoral process of the Union-wide constituency and liaise with the authorentities referred to in Article 18 and this Article.
Amendment 667 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
The Union-wide constituency lists of candidates shall be submitted to the Anational authority, who shall verify that the conditions laid down in this Regulation and in the national law are fully met. The Aauthority shall establish and manage a Register of the different Union- wide constituency lists submitted by the European Electoral Entitielists submitted by national parties or movements whose information from the register shall be public.
Amendment 669 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 4
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 4
Amendment 670 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 5
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 5
In its decisions, the Aeach authority shall give full consideration to the fundamental rights to vote and to stand as a candidate.
Amendment 675 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 –paragraph 3
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 –paragraph 3
Amendment 682 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
The members of the Anational authorityies shall not be members of the European Parliament, hold any electoral mandate or be a current or former employee of any EU institution or of any European political party or movement, or of any European political foundation.
Amendment 685 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 4
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 4
Amendment 697 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 5
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 5
Amendment 700 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 6
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 6
6. The AEach electoral authority shall submit a report to the European Parliament on the organisation of the European elections and on the implementation of this Regulation and the attainment of its aims, within one year after the European elections. The European Electoral Authority will supervise the procedure established in Article 15.
Amendment 703 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 7
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 7
Amendment 712 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 30
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 30
Amendment 728 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex 2 – Practical example – D’Hondt Method
Annex 2 – Practical example – D’Hondt Method
Amendment 731 #
Motion for a resolution
Annex 3 – Practical example of Transnational list using the five categories group with 46 seats
Annex 3 – Practical example of Transnational list using the five categories group with 46 seats